Game controller

ABSTRACT

An example game controller is removably attachable to a main unit having a main unit-side slide member and configured to execute a game process. The game controller having a front surface and at least first and second side surfaces relative to the front surface. The game controller includes a controller-side slide member. The controller-side slide member protrudes from the second side surface and is configured for slidably engaging with the main unit-side slide member in a slide direction. The controller-side slide member includes a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface extends from the first end to the second end of the controller-side slide member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the slide direction. The game controller includes a first operation control. The first operation control is provided on the lower surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/178,991, filed Jun. 10, 2016, and claims priority to Japanese PatentApplication No. 2015-119707 filed on Jun. 12, 2015, Japanese PatentApplication No. 2016-114668 filed on Jun. 8, 2016, Japanese PatentApplication No. 2016-114669 filed on Jun. 8, 2016, Japanese PatentApplication No. 2016-114670 filed on Jun. 8, 2016 and Japanese PatentApplication No. 2016-114671 filed on Jun. 8, 2016. The entire contentsof each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present technology relates to a game controller.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

There are conventional controllers capable of accommodating aninformation processing device therein. For example, there is acontroller capable of accommodating a mobile telephone, with a left keyplate and a right key plate sandwiching the mobile telephonetherebetween. The controller includes button keys on the upper surface.

With such a controller, it is preferred that buttons are arrangedefficiently.

Thus, the present application discloses a controller on which inputsections can be arranged efficiently.

An example game controller described herein is removably attachable to amain unit having a main unit-side slide member and configured to executea game process, the game controller having a front surface and at leastfirst and second side surfaces relative to the front surface.

The game controller includes a directional input control, a firstoperation button, a second operation button and a controller-side slidemember. The directional input control is on the front surface. The firstoperation button is on the front surface. The second operation button ison the first side surface. The controller-side slide member protrudesfrom the second side surface and is configured for slidably engagingwith the main unit-side slide member in a slide direction. Thecontroller-side slide member has a first end and a second end in theslide direction, and the game controller is configured to be attached tothe main unit by inserting the controller-side slide member into themain unit-side slide member from the first end.

The game controller includes a stop member. The stop member isconfigured for resisting a slide movement, in an opposite direction, ofthe controller-side slide member against the main unit-side slidemember, the opposite direction being a direction opposite to a directionin which the controller-side slide member is insertable into the mainunit-side slide member, the stop member being closer to the second endthan the first end in the slide direction. The stop member is configuredto protrude from the second side surface or from a side surface of thecontroller-side slide member, which side surface is substantiallyperpendicular to the second side surface.

The controller-side slide member includes a protruding portion and atleast one terminal. The protruding portion protrudes in the slidedirection from the first end side of the controller-side slide memberand having a facing surface that faces the second side surface of thegame controller. The at least one terminal is between the facing surfaceand the second side surface, wherein the terminal is configured to beelectrically connectable to the main unit.

The game controller includes a third operation button, a fourthoperation button and a transmitter. The third operation button and thefourth operation button are on a surface of the controller-side slidemember that faces substantially in the same direction as the second sidesurface. The transmitter is configured for transmitting, to the mainunit via the terminal, information representing an operation performedon at least the directional input control, the first operation buttonand the second operation button.

The controller-side slide member may include, as surfaces facingsubstantially in the same direction as the second side surface, a lowersurface and an upper surface, the distance from the lower surface to thesecond side surface being shorter than the distance from the uppersurface to the second side surface. The third operation button and thefourth operation button may be on the lower surface.

The third operation button and the fourth operation button may beconfigured so as not to protrude past the upper surface.

The controller-side slide member may include a first lower surface onthe first end side of a center of the controller-side slide member inthe slide direction, and a second lower surface on the second end sideof the center of the controller-side slide member in the slidedirection. The third operation button may be on the first lower surface.The fourth operation button may be on the secondlower surface.

The game controller may comprise a light-emitter on the upper surfacebetween the third operation button and the fourth operation buttonconfigured for notifying a user of information.

The controller-side slide member may define a sloped surface connectingthe lower surface and the upper surface.

The terminal may be on the facing surface.

The terminal may be configured to flex into a slot in the facingsurface.

The protruding portion may include a wall on the facing surface thatprotrudes from the facing surface, the wall being on one side or on bothsides of the terminal with respect to a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the slide direction.

A distal end of the terminal may be between a center of thecontroller-side slide member and a distal end of the protruding portion.

The protruding portion is tapered toward the distal end.

An end surface of the controller-side slide member at the second end maybe a flat surface extending from the second side surface.

The stop member may be movable between a first position and a secondposition. The stop member in the first position may be more protrudingfrom at least one of the second side surface of the game controller andthe side surface of the controller-side slide member as compared withthe stop member in the second position. The stop member may be biasedtoward a protruding state in the first position.

The game controller may comprise a movable member that is configured tobe moved by an operation by a user. The stop member may be moved atleast from the first position to the second position in response to themovable member being operated by a user.

The movable member may be on a surface on a reverse side of the frontsurface.

An example game controller described herein is removably attachable to amain unit having a main unit-side slide member and configured to executea game process. The game controller includes a controller-side slidemember. The controller-side slide member protrudes from a first surfaceof the game controller and is configured for slidably engaging with themain unit-side slide member in a slide direction. The controller-sideslide member has first and second ends and includes, as surfaces facingsubstantially in the same direction as the first surface, a lowersurface and an upper surface, a first distance between the lower surfaceand the first surface being less than a second distance between theupper surface and the first surface, the lower surface extending fromthe first end to the second end of the controller-side slide member in adirection substantially perpendicular to the slide direction. The gamecontroller includes a first operation control on the lower surface.

The first operation control may be configured so as not to protrude pastthe upper surface.

The first operation control may extend away from the first surface by adistance greater than the first distance and less than or equal to thesecond distance.

The controller-side slide member may include a first lower surface onone end side of a center of the controller-side slide member in theslide direction, and a second lower surface on the other end side of thecenter of the controller-side slide member in the slide direction. Thefirst operation control may include a first input section on the firstlower surface, and a second input section on the second lower surface.

The game controller may further include a light-emitter configured fornotifying a user of information. The light-emitter may be on the uppersurface between the first input section and the second input section.

The controller-side slide member defines a sloped surface connecting thelower surface and the upper surface.

The game controller may be configured to be attached to the main unit byengaging the controller-side slide member with the main unit-side slidemember. The game controller may include a light emitter configured fornotifying a user of information, and a light emission controller. Thelight emitter may be provided on the upper surface. The light emissioncontroller is configured for controlling the light emitter to emit lightat least on a condition that the game controller is not attached to themain unit, and for controlling the light emitter not to emit light whenthe game controller is attached to the main unit.

The game controller may further include a second operation control on asurface of the game controller that is different from the first surface.

The second operation control may be on a front surface of the gamecontroller. The first surface may be a side surface relative to thefront surface.

The present specification also discloses an information processingdevice to which the game controller can be attached, and discloses acontroller system (referred to also as an information processing system)including the game controller and the information processing device. Thepresent specification also discloses a method to be carried out in theinformation processing system. The present specification also disclosesan information processing program that causes a computer to execute someof the processes to be executed on the information processing system,the information processing device or the game controller (in otherwords, causes a computer to function as some of the various units of theinformation processing system, the information processing device or thegame controller).

With the game controller set forth above, it is possible to efficientlyarrange input controls on the controller.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a non-limiting example informationprocessing device;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example where controllers are detachedfrom a main unit;

FIG. 3 is a six-sided view showing an example main unit;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example where the main unit is placedupright;

FIG. 5 is a six-sided view showing an example left controller;

FIG. 6 is a six-sided view showing an example right controller;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of how a left rail member and aslider engage with each other;

FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are diagrams showing an example of how the slider islocked to the left rail member;

FIG. 9 is a left side view showing an example main unit according to anon-limiting second configuration example;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example left side surfaceportion of a main unit according to a non-limiting second configurationexample;

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing an example cross section ofthe left rail member taken along line A-A′ shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing an example cross section ofthe left rail member taken along line B-B′ shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example terminal provided on anon-limiting main unit;

FIG. 14 is a six-sided view showing an example left controller accordingto a non-limiting second configuration example;

FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing an example cross section neara lower end portion of a slider according to a non-limiting secondconfiguration example;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an example protruding portion of aslider according to a non-limiting second configuration example;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing an example of a reinforcement memberand an insulation sheet provided on a slider;

FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) are diagrams showing an example of how a hookportion is inserted into a slot;

FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing an example arrangement ofelements inside a non-limiting left controller;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of how a terminal and a groundconnection portion are connected to an electronic circuit;

FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b) are diagrams schematically showing an examplepositional relationship between a slider and a stop member according toa non-limiting second configuration example;

FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing an example positionalrelationship between a slider and a stop member according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a stopmember and a release button;

FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically showing an example configuration of aslider near a second L button according to a non-limiting secondconfiguration example;

FIG. 25 is a six-sided view showing an example right controlleraccording to a non-limiting second configuration example;

FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b) are diagrams schematically showing an example ofthe mechanism around left-side terminals before and after a slider isattached to a left rail member;

FIGS. 27(a), 27(b) and 27(c) are diagrams schematically showing anexample of the mechanism around a stop member and a sequence before,during and after a slider is attached to a left rail member;

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a non-limitingexample information processing system;

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an examplecradle;

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing an example internal configuration ofthe main unit;

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing an example internal configuration ofthe information processing device;

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an example internal configuration ofthe cradle;

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of how the informationprocessing device is used with the controllers attached to the mainunit;

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a single user holding twocontrollers to use the information processing device in a detachedstate;

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of two users each holding onecontroller to use the information processing device in a detached state;

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of how a non-limiting rightcontroller is held in one hand;

FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b) are diagrams showing example modes of use wherethree or more controllers are used;

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example mode of use in which images aredisplayed on a TV;

FIGS. 39(a), 39(b), 39(c), and 39(d) are diagrams showing an examplesequence of operation flow in which images are displayed on a TV;

FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing an example flow of a registrationprocess executed on the main unit;

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of registration information;

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of pairing information;

FIG. 43 is a flow chart showing an example flow of a wireless settingprocess executed on the main unit;

FIG. 44 is a flow chart showing an example flow of a mode settingprocess executed on the main unit;

FIG. 45 is a flow chart showing an example flow of an informationprocess executed on the main unit;

FIG. 46 is a flow chart showing an example flow of an informationprocess executed on the main unit;

FIG. 47 is a flow chart showing an example flow of an informationprocess executed on the main unit;

FIG. 48 is a diagram showing another non-limiting example leftcontroller;

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing another non-limiting example leftcontroller;

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing an example information processing devicewith a right controller different from that of FIG. 1 attached thereto;

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing another example non-limiting leftcontroller;

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an example accessory to which controllerscan be attached;

FIG. 53 is a diagram showing another example accessory;

FIG. 54 is a six-sided view showing another non-limiting exampleextension grip;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view showing an example of the extension gripshown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing an example where two controllers areattached to the extension grip shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 57 is a block diagram showing an example internal configuration ofthe extension grip shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 58 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an extensiongrip of which a main section is movable;

FIG. 59 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an extensiongrip in which the distance between a grip portion and a controller isvariable;

FIG. 60 is a diagram showing an example accessory to which the main unitcan be attached;

FIG. 61 is a diagram showing another example slide member provided onthe non-limiting main unit;

FIG. 62 is a diagram showing another example slide member provided onthe non-limiting right controller; and

FIG. 63 is a diagram showing an example terminal arrangement accordingto another non-limiting embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

An information processing system, an information processing device, acontroller device and an accessory according to an example of thepresent embodiment will now be described. In the present embodiment, theinformation processing system includes an information processing device1 and a cradle 5 (see FIG. 28). The information processing device 1 ofthe present embodiment includes a main unit 2 and controllers 3 and 4,which can be attached to and detached from each other, and thecontrollers 3 and 4 can be used separately from the main unit 2 (seeFIG. 2). The information processing device 1 can be used both in a modeof use in which images are displayed on the main unit 2 and in anothermode of use in which images are displayed on a separate display devicesuch as a TV. The information processing device 1 is used as a portabledevice (e.g., a portable game device) in the former mode, and theinformation processing device 1 is used as a console-type device (e.g.,a console-type game device) in the latter mode.

[1. External Configuration of System]

[1-1. Configuration of Information Processing Device]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example information processing device 1according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the informationprocessing device 1 includes a main unit 2, a left controller 3 and aright controller 4. The main unit 2, including a display 12, executesvarious processes of the information processing device 1. Thecontrollers 3 and 4 each include an operation section allowing a user toprovide an input(s). The example left-right orientation shown in FIG. 1is non-limiting.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the controllers 3 and 4 can be attachedto and detached from the main unit 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing anexample where the controllers 3 and 4 are detached from the main unit 2.The left controller 3 can be attached to the left side of the main unit2 (the x-axis positive direction side shown in FIG. 1) and can also bedetached therefrom. The right controller 4 can be attached to the rightside of the main unit 2 (the x-axis negative direction side shown inFIG. 1) and can also be detached therefrom. Note that the leftcontroller and the right controller may be referred to generally as“controllers”. A specific example configuration of the main unit 2 andthe controllers 3 and 4 will now be described.

[1-1-1. Configuration of Main Unit]

FIG. 3 is a six-sided view showing an example main unit. As shown inFIG. 3, the main unit 2 includes a generally plate-shaped or planarhousing 11. In the present embodiment, the primary surface (in otherwords, the front-side surface, i.e., the surface on which the display 12is provided) of the housing 11 has a generally rectangular shape. In thepresent embodiment, the housing 11 has a horizontally-elongated shape.That is, in the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of theprimary surface of the housing 11 (i.e., the x-axis direction shown inFIG. 1) is denoted as the horizontal direction (also referred to as theleft-right direction), the width direction of the primary surface (i.e.,the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1) is denoted as the verticaldirection (also referred to as the up-down direction), and the directionperpendicular to the primary surface (i.e., the z-axis direction shownin FIG. 1) is denoted as the depth direction (also referred to as thefront-rear direction). Note that the main unit 2 may be used in alandscape orientation or may be used in a portrait orientation.

Note that there is no particular limitation on the shape and the size ofthe housing 11. For example, in other embodiments, the housing 11 mayinclude a projection or a grip portion for making it easier for a userto hold the device.

(Elements Provided on Primary Surface of Housing 11)

As shown in FIG. 3, the main unit 2 includes the display 12 provided onthe primary surface of the housing 11. The display 12 displays an image(which may be a still image or a video or other moving image) obtainedor produced by the main unit 2. While the display 12 is assumed to be aliquid crystal display device (LCD) in the present embodiment, it may beany type of a display device.

The main unit 2 includes a touch panel 13 on the screen of the display12 such that display 12 functions as a touch screen. The touch panel maysense position, pressure or other characteristics of touch. In thepresent embodiment, the touch panel 13 is of a type (e.g., thecapacitive type) that enables a multi-touch input. Note however thatthere is no particular limitation on the type of the touch panel 13, andthe touch panel 13 may be of a type (e.g., the resistive type) thatenables a single-touch input, for example.

The main unit 2 includes a speaker (i.e., a speaker 88 shown in FIG. 30)inside the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 3, speaker holes 11 a and 11 bare formed in the primary surface of the housing 11. Output sounds fromthe speaker 88 are output through these speaker holes 11 a and 11 b. Inthe present embodiment, the main unit 2 includes two speakers, andspeaker holes are located respectively for the left speaker and theright speaker. The speaker hole 11 a for the left speaker is formed in aleft portion of the display 12. The speaker hole 11 b for the rightspeaker is formed in a right portion of the display 12.

The main unit 2 also includes an ambient light sensor (i.e., an ambientlight sensor 94 shown in FIG. 30) inside the housing 11. As shown inFIG. 3, a window portion 14 is provided in the primary surface of thehousing 11 so as to allow light from outside the housing 11 to bereceived by the ambient light sensor 94. The window portion 14 isprovided for example as a transparent member that allows light to passtherethrough, or a filter member that allows light of a predeterminedwavelength(s) that can be sensed by the ambient light sensor 94 to passtherethrough.

Note that there is no particular limitation on the position, the shapeand the number of the speaker holes 11 a and 11 b and the window portion14. For example, in other embodiments, the speaker holes 11 a and 11 bmay be provided on the side surface or the back surface of the housing11. While the window portion 14 is provided on the lower left side ofthe display 12 in the present embodiment, it may be provided in anyother position on the primary surface of the housing 11 or may beprovided on the side surface of the housing 11.

(Elements Provided on Left Side Surface of Housing 11)

As shown in FIG. 3, the main unit 2 includes a left rail member 15 onthe left side surface of the housing 11. The left rail member 15 is amember that allows the left controller 3 to be detachably attached tothe main unit 2 so that a user can easily attach the left controller tothe main unit 2 to mechanically and electrically join the two piecestogether so that the pieces function as a single integrated unit, andyet the user can also easily detach the left controller from the mainunit to allow the main unit and the left controller to operate whilemechanically separated from one another. The left rail member 15 isprovided so as to extend in the up-down direction on the left sidesurface of the housing 11. The left rail member 15 has such a shape thatcan engage with a slider of the left controller 3 (i.e., a slider 40shown in FIG. 5). The left rail member 15 and the slider 40 togetherform a slide mechanism, the details of which will be described later.This slide mechanism allows the left controller 3 to be slidably anddetachably attached to the main unit 2.

In the present embodiment, the left rail member 15 has a shape with agroove. In other words, the cross section (specifically, the crosssection perpendicular to the up-down direction) of the left rail member15 is C-shaped. More specifically, the cross section of the left railmember 15 is such that the end portions of the cross section extend inthe outside-to-center direction. Therefore, the slider 40 in engagementwith the left rail member 15 is securely locked so as not to come off inthe direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words,the direction in which the left rail member 15 extends) (see FIG. 7 tobe discussed below).

As shown in FIG. 3, the left rail member 15 is provided with anengagement hole 16. The engagement hole 16 is located so as to face aprojection 41 provided on the slider 40 when the left controller 3 isattached to the main unit 2. There is no particular limitation on thespecific position of the engagement hole 16. In the present embodiment,the engagement hole 16 is provided on the bottom surface of the leftrail member 15 (in other words, the bottom surface of the groove of theleft rail member 15). The engagement hole 16 is shaped so that theprojection (i.e., the projection 41 shown in FIG. 5) can engage with theengagement hole 16. When the left controller 3 is attached to the mainunit 2, the projection 41 is inserted into and engages with theengagement hole 16, thereby locking the left controller 3 to the mainunit 2, the details of which will be described later. Note that in otherembodiments, the left rail member 15 may be provided with a projectionand the slider 40 may be provided with an engagement hole.

The main unit 2 includes a left-side terminal 17. The left-side terminal17 allows the main unit 2 to communicate with the left controller 3 inwired communication—in other words, when the left controller and themain unit are attached to one another, they can electrically communicatevia the left side terminal. The left-side terminal 17 is located so asto be in contact with the terminal of the left controller 3 (a terminal42 shown in FIG. 5) when the left controller 3 is attached to the mainunit 2. There is no particular limitation on the specific position ofthe left-side terminal 17. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.3, the left-side terminal 17 is provided on the bottom surface of theleft rail member 15. In the present embodiment, the left-side terminal17 is provided near the lower end on the bottom surface of the left railmember 15. The left-side terminal 17 is provided below the engagementhole 16 (in other words, on the far side with respect to the directionin which the slider 40 is inserted into the left rail member 15).

A stopper 18 is provided on the left side surface of the housing 11. Asshown in FIG. 3, the stopper 18 is provided near the end (in the presentembodiment, near the lower end) of the left rail member 15. The stopper18 is provided inside the groove of the left rail member 15. The stopper18 is provided in order to limit the slide of the slider 40 inengagement with the left rail member 15, the details of which will bedescribed later.

(Elements Provided on Right Side Surface of Housing 11)

As shown in FIG. 3, similar elements to those provided on the left sidesurface of the housing 11 are provided on the right side surface of thehousing 11. That is, the main unit 2 includes a right rail member 19 onthe right side surface of the housing 11. The right rail member 19 isprovided so as to extend in the up-down direction on the right sidesurface of the housing 11. The right rail member 19 has such a shapethat it can engage with a slider of the right controller 4 (i.e., aslider 62 shown in FIG. 6). The right rail member 19 and the slider 62together form a slide mechanism, the details of which will be describedlater. This slide mechanism allows the right controller 4 to be slidablyand detachably attached to the main unit 2.

In the present embodiment, the right rail member 19 has a similar shapeto that of the left rail member 15. That is, the right rail member 19has a shape with a groove whose cross-sectional shape is similar to thatof the left rail member 15. Note however that the right rail member 19does not need to have exactly the same shape as that of the left railmember 15. For example, in other embodiments, the groove of the leftrail member 15 and the groove of the right rail member 19 may differfrom each other in terms of the size and/or the shape so that the slider62 of the right controller 4 cannot engage with the left rail member 15(and/or so that the slider 40 of the left controller 3 cannot engagewith the right rail member 19).

As shown in FIG. 3, the right rail member 19 is provided with anengagement hole 20. The engagement hole 20 is located so as to face aprojection 63 provided on the slider 62 when the right controller 4 isattached to the main unit 2. There is no particular limitation on thespecific position of the engagement hole 20. In the present embodiment,the engagement hole 20 is provided on the bottom surface of the rightrail member 19 (in other words, the bottom surface of the groove of theright rail member 19). The engagement hole 20 is shaped so that theprojection (i.e., the projection 63 shown in FIG. 6) can engage with theengagement hole 20. When the right controller 4 is attached to the mainunit 2, the projection 63 is inserted into and engages with theengagement hole 20, thereby locking the right controller 4 to the mainunit 2, the details of which will be described later. Note that in otherembodiments, the right rail member 19 may be provided with a projectionand the slider 62 with an engagement hole.

The main unit 2 includes a right-side terminal 21. The right-sideterminal 21 allows the main unit 2 to communicate with the rightcontroller 4 in wired communication. The right-side terminal 21 islocated so as to be in contact with the terminal of the right controller4 (a terminal 64 shown in FIG. 6) when the right controller 4 isattached to the main unit 2. There is no particular limitation on thespecific position of the right-side terminal 21. In the presentembodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the right-side terminal 21 is providedon the bottom surface of the right rail member 19. In the presentembodiment, the right-side terminal 21 is provided near the lower end onthe bottom surface of the right rail member 19. The right-side terminal21 is provided below the engagement hole 20 (in other words, on the farside with respect to the direction in which the slider 62 is insertedinto the right rail member 19).

A stopper 22 is provided on the right side surface of the housing 11. Asshown in FIG. 3, the stopper 22 is provided near the end (in the presentembodiment, near the lower end) of the right rail member 19. The stopper22 is provided inside the groove of the right rail member 19. Thestopper 22 is provided in order to limit the slide of the slider 62 inengagement with the right rail member 19, the details of which will bedescribed later.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the housing 11 of themain unit 2 is provided with the left rail member 15 and the right railmember 19. Thus, the housing 11 is configured on the assumption thatcontrollers are attached thereto. Note that there is no particularlimitation on the position, the shape and the size of the rail members15 and 19. For example, in other embodiments, the rail members 15 and 19may be provided on the left and right end portions, respectively, on theprimary surface and/or the reverse surface of the housing 11. There isno particular limitation on the mechanism for allowing the controllers 3and 4 to be detachably attached to the main unit 2, and a slidermechanism different from that of the present embodiment may be used, ora mechanism different from a slider mechanism may be used.

(Elements Provided on Upper Side Surface of Housing 11)

As shown in FIG. 3, the main unit 2 includes a first slot 23. The firstslot 23 is provided on the upper side surface of the housing 11. Thefirst slot 23 is shaped so as to accommodate a storage medium of a firsttype. Note that in the present embodiment, a cover that can beopened/closed is provided for the opening of the first slot 23, and astorage medium of the first type can be inserted into the first slot 23with the cover being open. A storage medium of the first type is, forexample, a dedicated storage medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card) forthe information processing device 1 or other information processingdevices of the same type. The storage medium of the first type is used,for example, for storing data used in the main unit 2 (e.g., applicationsave data, etc.) and/or for storing programs to be executed on the mainunit 2 (e.g., application programs, etc.).

The main unit 2 also includes a power button 28. As shown in FIG. 3, thepower button 28 is provided on the upper side surface of the housing 11.The power button 28 is a button for turning ON/OFF the power of the mainunit 2. Note that in the present embodiment, the power button 28 can beused to switch between the ON mode and the sleep mode. The ON mode is amode in which the screen display of the display 12 is turned on, forexample, and the sleep mode is a mode in which the screen display of thedisplay 12 is turned off, for example. In the sleep mode, in addition to(or instead of) turning off the screen display of the display 12, apredetermined process of the application (e.g., a game process of a gameapplication) may be stopped. When a long-press operation is performed ona power button 28 (specifically, when the power button 28 is held downfor a predetermined period of time or longer), the main unit 2 executesa process of turning ON/OFF the power of the main unit 2. On the otherhand, when a short-press operation is performed on the power button 28(specifically, when the power button 28 is held down for a period oftime that is shorter than the predetermined period of time), the mainunit 2 executes a process of switching between the ON mode and the sleepmode.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the power button 28 canbe used to turn the power ON/OFF and to switch between the ON mode andthe sleep mode. Note that in other embodiments, the main unit 2 may beprovided with a button only for the function of turning the power ON/OFFor only for the function of switching between the ON mode and the sleepmode.

The main unit 2 includes a sound input/output terminal (specifically, anearphone jack) 25. That is, the main unit 2 allows a microphone or anearphone to be attached to the sound input/output terminal 25. As shownin FIG. 3, the sound input/output terminal 25 is provided on the upperside surface of the housing 11.

The main unit 2 includes sound volume buttons 26 a and 26 b. As shown inFIG. 3, the sound volume buttons 26 a and 26 b are provided on the upperside surface of the housing 11. The sound volume buttons 26 a and 26 bare buttons for giving instructions to adjust the volume of the soundoutput from the main unit 2. That is, the sound volume button 26 a is abutton for giving an instruction to lower the sound volume, and thesound volume button 26 b is a button for giving an instruction to raisethe sound volume.

The housing 11 is provided with an air outlet hole 11 c. As shown inFIG. 3, the air outlet hole 11 c is provided on the upper side surfaceof the housing 11. The air outlet hole 11 c is provided so as to radiate(in other words, discharge) the heat generated inside the housing 11 tothe outside of the housing 11 for cooling purposes.

(Elements Provided on Lower Side Surface of Housing 11)

The main unit 2 includes a lower terminal 27. The lower terminal 27 is aterminal for allowing the main unit 2 to communicate with the cradle 5to be described later. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower terminal 27 isprovided on the lower side surface of the housing 11. The lower terminal27 is connected to a terminal of the cradle 5 (a main body terminal 73shown in FIG. 29) when the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5, thedetails of which will be described later. In the present embodiment, thelower terminal 27 is a USB connector (more specifically, a female-sideconnector).

The main unit 2 also includes a second slot 24. In the presentembodiment, the second slot 24 is provided on the lower side surface ofthe housing 11. Note however that in other embodiments, the second slot24 may be provided on the same surface as the first slot 23. The secondslot 24 is shaped so as to accommodate a storage medium of a secondtype, which is different from the first type. Note that in the presentembodiment, a cover that can be opened/closed is provided for theopening of the second slot 24, and a storage medium of the second typecan be inserted into the second slot 24 with the cover being open. Astorage medium of the second type may be, for example, a general-purposestorage medium, e.g., an SD card. As is the storage medium of the firsttype, the storage medium of the second type is used for storing dataused in the main unit 2 (e.g., application save data, etc.) and/or forstoring programs to be executed on the main unit 2 (e.g., applicationprograms, etc.).

The housing 11 is provided with an air inlet hole 11 d. As shown in FIG.3, the air inlet hole 11 d is provided on the lower side surface of thehousing 11. The air inlet hole 11 d is provided so as to take in (inother words, introduce) the air from the outside of the housing 11 tothe inside of the housing 11. In the present embodiment, the air inlethole 11 d is provided on the surface opposite from the surface where theair outlet hole 11 c is provided, thereby allowing for efficientdischarge of the heat from inside the housing 11.

The main unit 2 also includes a stand member 29 used when placing thehousing upright. As shown in FIG. 3, the stand member 29 is provided onthe lower side surface of the housing 11. The stand member 29 isrotatably connected to the housing 11 via a pivot 29 a. In FIG. 3, thestand member 29 is accommodated in the housing 11.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which the main unit 2 isplaced upright. Note that in order to facilitate understanding ofelements of interest to be discussed in conjunction with the figure,some of the other elements of the main unit 2 are not shown in FIG. 4.The rod-shaped portion of the stand member 29 protrudes from the housing11 after being rotated about the pivot 29 a. Thus, the stand member 29is brought into a position protruding from the housing 11, allowing themain unit 2 to be placed upright as shown in FIG. 4. Note that themechanism for placing the main unit 2 upright is not limited to thestand member 29 shown in FIG. 3, but may be any other mechanism.

There is no particular limitation on the shape, the number and thearrangement of the various elements (specifically, the buttons, theslots, the terminals, etc.) provided on the housing 11 described above.For example, in other embodiments, some of the power button 28 and theslots 23 and 24 may be provided on another side surface or the backsurface of the housing 11. In other embodiments, some of the elementsdescribed above may be absent on the main unit 2.

[1-1-2. Configuration of Left Controller]

FIG. 5 is a six-sided view showing an example of the left controller 3.As shown in FIG. 5, the left controller 3 includes a generallyplate-shaped housing 31. In the present embodiment, the primary surface(in other words, the front-side surface, i.e., the surface on the z-axisnegative direction side shown in FIG. 1) of the housing 31 has agenerally rectangular shape. In the present embodiment, the housing 31has a vertically-elongated shape, i.e., a shape that is elongated in theup-down direction (i.e., the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1). Notethat when detached from the main unit 2, the left controller 3 may beheld in a portrait position (see FIG. 38) or may be held in a landscapeposition (see FIG. 35). Note that there is no particular limitation onthe shape of the housing 31, and the housing 31 does not need to begenerally plate-shaped in other embodiments. The housing 31 does notneed to have a rectangular shape, but may have a semi-circular shape, orthe like, for example. The housing 31 does not need to have avertically-elongated shape.

The length of the housing 31 in the up-down direction is generally equalto the length of the housing 11 of the main unit 2 in the up-downdirection. The thickness of the housing 31 (i.e., the length thereof inthe front-rear direction; in other words, the length thereof in thez-axis direction shown in FIG. 1) is generally equal to the thickness ofthe housing 11 of the main unit 2. Therefore, when the left controller 3is attached to the main unit 2 (see FIG. 1), a user can hold the mainunit 2 and the left controller 3 as if they were an integral unit.

As shown in FIG. 5, the left-side corner portion of the primary surfaceof the housing 31 has a more rounded shape than the right-side cornerportion thereof. That is, the connecting portion between the upper sidesurface and the left side surface of the housing 31 and the connectingportion between the lower side surface and the left side surface of thehousing 31 are more rounded (in other words, round-cornered with agreater radius) than the connecting portion between the upper sidesurface and the right side surface and the connecting portion betweenthe lower side surface and the right side surface. Therefore, when theleft controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2 (see FIG. 1), the leftside of the information processing device 1 will have a rounded shape,making it easier for a user to hold the device.

The left controller 3 includes an analog stick 32. As shown in FIG. 5,the analog stick 32 is provided on the primary surface of the housing31. The analog stick 32 is an example of a directional input sectionallowing a user to input a direction. The analog stick 32 includes astick member that can be tilted in any direction (i.e., 360° directionsincluding the upper, lower, left, right and diagonal directions)parallel to the primary surface of the housing 31. A user can tilt thestick member to make a direction input based on the tilt direction (anda magnitude input based on the tilt angle). Note that the directionalinput section may also be a cross-shaped key, a slide stick, or thelike. A slide stick is an input section including a stick member thatcan be slid in any direction parallel to the primary surface of thehousing 31, and a user can slide the stick member to make an input basedon the slide direction (and a magnitude input based on the slideamount). In the present embodiment, a user can also make an input bypressing down the stick member (in a direction vertical to the housing31). That is, the analog stick 32 is an input section that allows a userto make a direction input and a magnitude input based on the tiltdirection and the tilt amount, respectively, of the stick member, andalso to make a push input by pressing down the stick member.

The left controller 3 includes four operation buttons 33 to 36(specifically, a right direction button 33, a lower direction button 34,an upper direction button 35 and a left direction button 36). As shownin FIG. 5, these four operation buttons 33 to 36 are provided below theanalog stick 32 on the primary surface of the housing 31. Note thatwhile four operation buttons are provided on the primary surface of theleft controller 3 in the present embodiment, there is no particularlimitation on the number of operation buttons. These operation buttons33 to 36 are used to give instructions in accordance with variousprograms executed on the main unit 2 (e.g., the OS program andapplication programs). Note that in the present embodiment, theoperation buttons 33 to 36 can be used to make directional inputs, andthe operation buttons 33 to 36 are therefore referred to as the rightdirection button 33, the lower direction button 34, the upper directionbutton 35 and the left direction button 36. Note however that theoperation buttons 33 to 36 may be used to give instructions other thandirectional inputs.

The left controller 3 also includes a record button 37. As shown in FIG.5, the record button 37 is provided on the primary surface of thehousing 31, more specifically, in a lower right area of the primarysurface. The record button 37 is a button for giving an instruction tosave the image displayed on the display 12 of the main unit 2. Forexample, when a game image is displayed on the display 12, a user canpress the record button 37 to save the game image that is displayed atthe point in time when the button is pressed in a storage section of themain unit 2, for example.

The left controller 3 also includes a minus (−) button 47. As shown inFIG. 5, the minus button 47 is provided on the primary surface of thehousing 31, more specifically, in an upper right area of the primarysurface. The minus button 47 is used to give instructions in accordancewith various programs executed on the main unit 2 (e.g., the OS programand application programs). The minus button 47 is used, for example, asa select button (e.g., a button used to move the selection throughdifferent selection items) in game applications.

When the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the operationsections provided on the primary surface of the left controller 3(specifically, the analog stick 32 and the buttons 33 to 37 and 47) areoperated with the thumb of the left hand, for example, of a user holdingthe information processing device 1 (see FIG. 33). When the leftcontroller 3 is used detached from the main unit 2, the operationsections are operated with the left and right thumbs, for example, of auser holding the left controller 3 (see FIG. 34). Specifically, in sucha case, the analog stick 32 is operated by the thumb of the left hand ofthe user, and the operation buttons 33 to 36 are operated with the thumbof the right hand of the user.

The left controller 3 includes a first L button 38. The left controller3 also includes a ZL button 39. As are the operation buttons 33 to 36,these operation buttons 38 and 39 are used to give instructions inaccordance with various programs executed on the main unit 2. As shownin FIG. 5, the first L button 38 is provided over a corner portionbetween the left side surface and the upper side surface of the housing31. The ZL button 39 is provided to extend over a corner portion betweenthe left side surface and the upper side surface of the housing 31(strictly speaking, between the left side surface and the upper sidesurface as seen from the front side of the housing 31) while extendinginto the reverse surface of the housing 31. That is, the ZL button 39 isprovided on the rear side (the z-axis positive direction side shown inFIG. 1) of the first L button 38. In the present embodiment, since theupper left corner portion of the housing 31 has a rounded shape, thefirst L button 38 and the ZL button 39 each have a rounded shape inconformity with the rounded shape of the upper left corner portion ofthe housing 31.

When the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the first Lbutton 38 and the ZL button 39 will be placed over the upper leftportion of the information processing device 1 (see FIG. 1). Therefore,a user holding the information processing device 1 is allowed to operatethe first L button 38 and the ZL button 39 with the index finger or themiddle finger of the left hand (see FIG. 33).

As shown in FIG. 5, a portion of the reverse surface of the housing 31where the ZL button 39 is provided (more specifically, at least aportion of the perimeter of the ZL button 39) projects past otherportions of the housing 31. The ZL button 39 is provided so as toproject past the other portions of the housing 31 on the reversesurface. Therefore, when the main unit 2 with the left controller 3attached thereto is placed on a flat surface in such an orientation thatthe reverse surface of the left controller 3 faces the horizontal flatsurface, the projecting portions of the housing 31 are in contact withthe flat surface. As a result, the information processing device 1 isplaced so that the upper side of the main unit 2 is slightly raised fromthe lower side thereof. When the information processing device 1 is soplaced, it is easy for a user to see the display 12.

Note that in other embodiments, when the main unit 2 with the leftcontroller 3 attached thereto is placed on a flat surface in such anorientation that the reverse surface of the left controller 3 faces thehorizontal flat surface, the ZL button 39 may be in contact with theflat surface. Now, in the present embodiment, the ZL button 39 can bepressed down primarily in the up-down direction (the y-axis direction).That is, the ZL button 39 is supported on the housing 31 so as to moveprimarily in the up-down direction. Therefore, even if the informationprocessing device 1 is placed so that the ZL button 39 is in contactwith the flat surface as described above, the ZL button 39 is unlikelyto be pressed down because the ZL button 39 primarily receives a forcein the front-rear direction (the z-axis direction). That is, even whenthe information processing device 1 is placed as described above, the ZLbutton 39 is unlikely to be pressed down inadvertently.

In other embodiments, the ZL button 39 may be provided so as not toproject from the reverse surface of the housing 31. For example, the ZLbutton 39 may be provided on the side surface of the housing 31. Forexample, an area of the reverse surface of the housing 31 where the ZLbutton 39 is provided may be sunken from the remaining portion (i.e.,the housing is formed to be thinner in this area) so that the ZL button39 does not project past the remaining portion of the reverse surface.

The left controller 3 includes the slider 40 described above. As shownin FIG. 5, the slider 40 is provided so as to extend in the up-downdirection on the right side surface of the housing 31. The slider 40 hassuch a shape that it can engage with the left rail member 15 (morespecifically, the groove of the left rail member 15) of the main unit 2.Specifically, the cross section (specifically, the cross sectionperpendicular to the up-down direction) of the slider 40 is T-shaped.More specifically, the cross section of the slider 40 is T-shaped inconformity with the cross-sectional shape of the left rail member 15(see FIG. 7). Therefore, the slider 40 in engagement with the left railmember 15 is locked so as not to come off in the direction perpendicularto the sliding direction (in other words, the direction in which theleft rail member 15 extends) (see FIG. 7 to be discussed below).

As shown in FIG. 5, the slider 40 is provided with the projection 41.The projection 41 is arranged at such a position that allows theprojection 41 to be inserted into the engagement hole 16 when the leftcontroller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. There is no particularlimitation on the specific position of the projection 41. In the presentembodiment, the projection 41 is provided on the engaging surface of theslider 40. Note that the engaging surface of the slider 40 refers to asurface that faces the bottom surface of the left rail member 15 whenthe left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. The projection 41is shaped so that the projection 41 can engage with the engagement hole16 of the left rail member 15.

In the present embodiment, the projection 41 is biased from the insideof the slider 40 toward the outside of the slider 40. Thus, when a forcefrom the outside of the slider 40 toward the inside of the slider 40 isapplied on the projection 41, the projection 41 moves toward the insideof the slider 40 (i.e., retracts into the slider 40). There is noparticular limitation on the configuration for biasing the projection 41as described above. For example, in the present embodiment, theprojection 41 is connected to an elastic member inside the slider 40,and the projection 41 is placed inside a hole in the slider 40 with aportion thereof protruding past the engaging surface of the slider 40.Note that in other embodiments, the projection 41 may be fixed to theslider 40.

The left controller 3 includes the terminal 42 for allowing the leftcontroller 3 to communicate with the main unit 2 in wired communication.The terminal 42 is located so as to be in contact with the left-sideterminal 17 of the main unit 2 (FIG. 3) when the left controller 3 isattached to the main unit 2. There is no particular limitation on thespecific position of the terminal 42. In the present embodiment, asshown in FIG. 5, the terminal 42 is provided on the engaging surface ofthe slider 40. In the present embodiment, the terminal 42 is providednear the lower end on the engaging surface of the slider 40. Theterminal 42 is provided below the projection 41 (in other words, on thefront side with respect to the insertion of the slider 40 into the leftrail member 15).

The left controller 3 also includes a second L button 43 and a second Rbutton 44. As are the other operation buttons 33 to 36, these buttons 43and 44 are used to give instructions in accordance with various programsexecuted on the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the second L button 43and the second R button 44 are provided on the engaging surface of theslider 40. The second L button 43 is provided on the engaging surface ofthe slider 40 above the center of the engaging surface with respect tothe up-down direction (the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1). The secondR button 44 is provided on the engaging surface of the slider 40 belowthe center of the engaging surface with respect to the up-downdirection. The second L button 43 and the second R button 44 arearranged at such positions that they cannot be pressed down with theleft controller 3 attached to the main unit 2. That is, the second Lbutton 43 and the second R button 44 are buttons that are used when theleft controller 3 is detached from the main unit 2. For example, thesecond L button 43 and the second R button 44 are operated with theindex finger or the middle finger of the left hand and the right hand ofa user holding the left controller 3 detached from the main unit 2 (seeFIG. 35).

The left controller 3 includes an indicator LED 45. The indicator LED 45is an indicator section for indicating predetermined information to theuser. There is no particular limitation on the information to beindicated by the indicator LED 45. In the present embodiment, theindicator LED 45 shows the user identification information of thecontroller when the main unit 2 communicates with a plurality ofcontrollers. Specifically, as the indicator LED 45, the left controller3 includes a number (herein, four) of LEDs equal to the number ofcontrollers that the main unit 2 can be simultaneously in communicationwith. Then, one of the four LEDs is lit, which is associated with thenumber assigned to the controller. Thus, it is possible with theindicator LED 45 to indicate the number to the user.

In other embodiments, the indicator LED 45 may indicate, to the user,the status of communication between the left controller 3 and the mainunit 2. For example, the indicator LED 45 may be lit while a connectionwith the main unit 2 is established. While the number of LEDs (in otherwords, the light-emitting portions) serving as the indicator LED 45 isfour in the present embodiment, there is no particular limitation on thenumber of LEDs.

In the present embodiment, the indicator LED 45 is provided on theengaging surface of the slider 40 as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, theindicator LED 45 is arranged at such a position that the indicator LED45 cannot be seen when the left controller 3 is attached to the mainunit 2. That is, the indicator LED 45 is used when the left controller 3is detached from the main unit 2.

The left controller 3 includes a pairing button 46. In the presentembodiment, the pairing button 46 is used to give an instruction for asetting (referred to also as pairing) process regarding wirelesscommunication between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2, and togive an instruction for a resetting process of resetting the leftcontroller 3. Note that in other embodiments, the pairing button 46 mayonly serve to instruct one of the setting process and the resettingprocess.

That is, when a short-press operation is performed on the pairing button46 (specifically, when the pairing button 46 is pressed down for ashorter period of time than a predetermined period of time), the leftcontroller 3 executes the setting process. Note that the details of thesetting process will be described later.

When a long-press operation is performed on the pairing button 46(specifically, when the pairing button 46 is held down for thepredetermined period of time or longer), the left controller 3 executesthe resetting process. The resetting process is a process of resettingthe status of the left controller 3, and is a process that should beexecuted, for example, when the left controller 3 freezes (e.g., whenthe main unit 2 is no longer able to obtain data from the leftcontroller 3). Although there is no particular limitation on thespecific details of the resetting process, the resetting process mayinclude, for example, a process of turning OFF the power of the leftcontroller 3 and then turning it back ON, a process of disconnectingwith the main unit 2 and then re-connecting with the main unit 2, aprocess of re-executing a process that is executed when startingcommunication, and/or the setting process. In the present embodiment,even when the left controller 3 freezes for some reason, the leftcontroller 3 can be reset, using the pairing button 46, to an operativestate.

In the present embodiment, the pairing button 46 is provided on theengaging surface of the slider 40 as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, the pairingbutton 46 is arranged at such a position that the pairing button 46cannot be seen when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit2. That is, the pairing button 46 is used when the left controller 3 isdetached from the main unit 2. In the present embodiment, it is assumedthat the pairing button 46 is pressed down when the left controller 3 isdetached from the main unit 2, and that the pairing button 46 willunlikely be pressed down when the left controller 3 is attached to themain unit 2. Thus, the pairing button 46 is arranged at such a position,thereby preventing the pairing button 46 from being operated in errorwhen the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2.

Note that in the present embodiment, the buttons provided on theengaging surface of the slider 40 (specifically, the second L button 43,the second R button 44 and the pairing button 46) are provided so as notto protrude past the engaging surface. That is, the upper surface (inother words, the surface to be pressed) of these buttons is arrangedflush with the engaging surface of the slider 40 or arranged at aposition sunken from the engaging surface. This allows the slider 40 toslide smoothly against the left rail member 15 when the slider 40 isengaged with the left rail member 15 of the main unit 2.

[1-1-3. Configuration of Right Controller]

FIG. 6 is a six-sided view showing an example of the right controller 4.As shown in FIG. 6, the right controller 4 includes a generallyplate-shaped housing 51. In the present embodiment, the primary surface(in other words, the front-side surface, i.e., the surface on the z-axisnegative direction side shown in FIG. 1) of the housing 51 has agenerally rectangular shape. In the present embodiment, the housing 51has a vertically-elongated shape, i.e., a shape that is elongated in theup-down direction. Note that when detached from the main unit 2, theright controller 4 may be held in a portrait position (see FIG. 38) ormay be held in a landscape position (see FIG. 35).

As with the housing 31 of the left controller 3, the length of thehousing 51 of the right controller 4 in the up-down direction isgenerally equal to the length of the housing 11 of the main unit 2 inthe up-down direction, and the thickness thereof is generally equal tothe thickness of the housing 11 of the main unit 2. Therefore, when theright controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2 (see FIG. 1), a usercan hold the main unit 2 and the right controller 4 as if they were anintegral unit.

As shown in FIG. 6, the right-side corner portion of the primary surfaceof the housing 51 has a more rounded shape than the left-side cornerportion thereof. That is, the connecting portion between the upper sidesurface and the right side surface of the housing 51 and the connectingportion between the lower side surface and the right side surface of thehousing 51 are more rounded (in other words, round-cornered with agreater radius) than the connecting portion between the upper sidesurface and the left side surface and the connecting portion between thelower side surface and the left side surface. Therefore, when the rightcontroller 4 is attached to the main unit 2 (see FIG. 1), the right sideof the information processing device 1 will have a rounded shape, makingit easier for a user to hold the device.

As does the left controller 3, the right controller 4 includes an analogstick 52 as the directional input section. In the present embodiment,the analog stick 52 has the same configuration as the analog stick 32 ofthe left controller 3. As does the left controller 3, the rightcontroller 4 includes four operation buttons 53 to 56 (specifically, theA button 53, the B button 54, the X button 55 and the Y button 56). Inthe present embodiment, these four operation buttons 53 to 56 are of thesame mechanism as the four operation buttons 33 to 36 of the leftcontroller 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the analog stick 52 and the operationbuttons 53 to 56 are provided on the primary surface of the housing 51.Note that while the number of operation buttons provided on the primarysurface of the right controller 4 is four in the present embodiment,there is no particular limitation on the number of operation buttons.

In the present embodiment, the positional relationship between the twotypes of operation sections (the analog stick and the operation buttons)of the right controller 4 is opposite from the positional relationshipbetween these two types of operation sections of the left controller 3.That is, the analog stick 52 is arranged above the operation buttons 53to 56 on the right controller 4, whereas the analog stick 32 is arrangedbelow the operation buttons 33 to 36 on the left controller 3. With suchan arrangement, the left and right controllers 3 and 4, when detachedfrom the main unit 2, can be operated in a similar fashion, the detailsof which will be described later.

The right controller 4 also includes a plus (+) button 57. As shown inFIG. 6, the plus button 57 is provided on the primary surface of thehousing 51, more specifically, in an upper left area of the primarysurface. As are the other operation buttons 53 to 56, the plus button 57is used to give instructions in accordance with various programsexecuted on the main unit 2 (e.g., the OS program and applicationprograms). The plus button 57 is used, for example, as a start button ina game application (e.g., a button used to give an instruction to startthe game).

The right controller 4 includes a home button 58. As shown in FIG. 6,the home button 58 is provided on the primary surface of the housing 51,more specifically, in a lower left area of the primary surface. The homebutton 58 is a button for displaying a predetermined menu screen on thedisplay 12 of the main unit 2. The menu screen is, for example, a screenwhere a user can launch an application specified by the user, from amonga plurality of applications that can be executed on the main unit 2. Themenu screen may be displayed at the start-up of the main unit 2, forexample. In the present embodiment, a predetermined control screen maybe displayed on the display 12 (the menu screen may be displayed insteadof the control screen) when the home button 58 is pressed while anapplication is executed on the main unit 2 (i.e., while images of theapplication are displayed on the display 12). Note that the controlscreen is, for example, a screen where a user can give an instruction toend an application and display the menu screen on the display 12, and aninstruction to resume an application, etc.

The operation sections provided on the primary surface of the rightcontroller 4 (specifically, the analog stick 52 and the buttons 53 to59) are operated with the thumb of the right hand, for example, of auser holding the information processing device 1 when the rightcontroller 4 is attached to the main unit 2 (see FIG. 33). When theright controller 4 is used detached from the main unit 2, the operationsections are operated with the left and right thumbs, for example, of auser holding the right controller 4 (see FIG. 34). Specifically, in sucha case, the analog stick 52 is operated with the thumb of the left handof the user, and the operation buttons 53 to 56 are operated with thethumb of the right hand of the user.

The right controller 4 includes a first R button 60. The rightcontroller 4 includes a ZR button 61. As shown in FIG. 6, the first Rbutton 60 is provided over a corner portion between the right sidesurface and the upper side surface of the housing 51. The ZR button 61is provided to extend over a corner portion between the right sidesurface and the upper side surface of the housing 51 (strictly speaking,between the right side surface and the upper side surface as seen fromthe front side of the housing 51) while extending into the reversesurface of the housing 51. That is, the ZR button 61 is provided on therear side (the z-axis positive direction side shown in FIG. 1) of thefirst R button 60. In the present embodiment, since the upper rightcorner portion of the housing 51 has a rounded shape, the first R button60 and the ZR button 61 each have a rounded shape in conformity with therounded shape of the upper right portion of the housing 51.

When the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, the first Rbutton 60 and the ZR button 61 will be placed over the upper rightportion of the information processing device 1 (see FIG. 1). Therefore,a user holding the information processing device 1 is allowed to operatethe first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 with the index finger or themiddle finger of the right hand (see FIG. 34).

As shown in FIG. 6, the ZR button 61 of the right controller 4 isprovided so as to project from the housing 51, as is the ZL button 39 ofthe left controller 3. That is, a portion of the reverse surface of thehousing 51 where the ZR button 61 is provided (more specifically, atleast a portion of the perimeter of the ZR button 61) projects past theremaining portion of the housing 51. The ZR button 61 is provided so asto project past the remaining portion of the housing 51 on the reversesurface. Therefore, when the right controller 4 is attached to the mainunit 2, as is the case when the left controller 3 is attached to themain unit 2, when the main unit 2 is placed on a flat surface in such anorientation that the reverse surface of the right controller 4 faces thehorizontal flat surface, the projecting portions of the housing 51 arein contact with the flat surface. As a result, the main unit 2 is placedso that the upper side thereof is slightly raised from the lower sidethereof, and it is therefore easy for a user to see the display 12.

Note that in the present embodiment, as with the ZL button 39 of theleft controller 3, the ZR button 61 of the right controller 4 can bepressed down primarily in the up-down direction (the y-axis direction).Therefore, as with the ZL button 39, the ZR button 61 is unlikely to bepressed down when the information processing device 1 is placed so thatthe ZR button 61 is in contact with a flat surface. Thus, the ZR button61 is unlikely to be pressed in error. Note that in other embodiments,the housing 51 may be formed so that the reverse surface of the housing51 projects past the ZR button 61. In other embodiments, as is the ZLbutton 39 of the left controller 3, the ZR button 61 may be formed so asnot to project from the reverse surface of the housing 51.

In the present embodiment, the shape of the first L button 38 and theshape of the first R button 60 are not in left-right symmetry, and theshape of the ZL button 39 and the shape of the ZR button 61 are not inleft-right symmetry. Note however that in other embodiments, the shapeof the first L button 38 and the shape of the first R button 60 may bein left-right symmetry, and the shape of the ZL button 39 and the shapeof the ZR button 61 may be in left-right symmetry.

The right controller 4 includes a similar slider mechanism to that ofthe left controller 3. That is, the right controller 4 includes theslider 62 described above. As shown in FIG. 6, the slider 62 is providedso as to extend in the up-down direction on the left side surface of thehousing 51. The slider 62 has such a shape that it can engage with theright rail member 19 (more specifically, the groove of the right railmember 19) of the main unit 2. Specifically, the cross section(specifically, the cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction)of the slider 62 is T-shaped. More specifically, the cross section ofthe slider 62 is T-shaped in conformity with the cross-sectional shapeof the right rail member 19 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the slider 62 inengagement with the right rail member 19 is locked so as not to come offin the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (in other words,the direction in which the right rail member 19 extends) (see FIG. 7).

The slider 62 is provided with the projection 63. The projection 63 isarranged at such a position that allows the projection 63 to be insertedinto the engagement hole 20 when the right controller 4 is attached tothe main unit 2. There is no particular limitation on the specificposition of the projection 63. In the present embodiment, the projection63 is provided on the engaging surface of the slider 62. Note that theengaging surface of the slider 62 refers to a surface that faces thebottom surface of the right rail member 19 when the right controller 4is attached to the main unit 2. The projection 63 is shaped so that theprojection 63 can engage with the engagement hole 20 of the right railmember 19.

In the present embodiment, as is the projection 41 of the leftcontroller 3, the projection 63 of the right controller 4 is biased fromthe inside of the slider 62 toward the outside of the slider 62. Thus,when a force from the outside of the slider 62 toward the inside of theslider 62 is applied on the projection 63, the projection 63 movestoward the inside of the slider 62 (i.e., retracts into the slider 62).Note that there is no particular limitation on the configuration forbiasing the projection 63 as described above, and it may be a similarconfiguration to the projection 41 of the left controller 3.

The right controller 4 includes the terminal 64 for allowing the rightcontroller 4 to communicate with the main unit 2 in wired communication.The terminal 64 is located so as to be in contact with the right-sideterminal 21 of the main unit 2 (FIG. 3) when the right controller 4 isattached to the main unit 2. There is no particular limitation on thespecific position of the terminal 64. In the present embodiment, asshown in FIG. 6, the terminal 64 is provided on the engaging surface ofthe slider 62. In the present embodiment, the terminal 64 is providednear the lower end on the engaging surface of the slider 62. Theterminal 64 is provided below the projection 63 (in other words, on thefront side with respect to the insertion of the slider 62 into the rightrail member 19).

As does the left controller 3, the right controller 4 also includes asecond L button 65 and a second R button 66. As are the operationbuttons 53 to 56, these buttons 65 and 66 are used to give instructionsin accordance with various programs executed on the main unit 2. Asshown in FIG. 6, the second L button 65 and the second R button 66 areprovided on the engaging surface of the slider 62. The second L button65 is provided on the engaging surface of the slider 62 below the centerof the engaging surface with respect to the up-down direction (they-axis direction shown in FIG. 1). The second R button 66 is provided onthe engaging surface of the slider 62 above the center of the engagingsurface with respect to the up-down direction. As are the second Lbutton 43 and the second R button 44 of the left controller 3, thesecond L button 65 and the second R button 66 are arranged at suchpositions that they cannot be pressed down with the right controller 4attached to the main unit 2, and they are buttons that are used when theright controller 4 is detached from the main unit 2. For example, thesecond L button 65 and the second R button 66 are operated with theindex finger or the middle finger of the left hand and the right hand ofa user holding the right controller 4 detached from the main unit 2 (seeFIG. 35).

The right controller 4 includes an indicator LED 67. As is the indicatorLED 45 of the left controller 3, the indicator LED 67 is an indicatorsection for indicating predetermined information to the user. As doesthe left controller 3, the right controller 4 includes four LEDs as theindicator LED 67, and one of the four LEDs is lit, which is associatedwith the number assigned to the right controller 4. In the presentembodiment, as is the indicator LED 45, the indicator LED 67 is providedon the engaging surface of the slider 62 (FIG. 6). Thus, the indicatorLED 67 is arranged at such a position that the indicator LED 67 cannotbe seen with the right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2, and theindicator LED 67 is used when the right controller 4 is detached fromthe main unit 2.

The right controller 4 includes a pairing button 69. As is the pairingbutton 46 of the left controller 3, the pairing button 69 is used togive an instruction for a setting (referred to also as “pairing”)process regarding wireless communication between the right controller 4and the main unit 2, and to give an instruction for a resetting processof resetting the right controller 4. The setting process and theresetting process are the same as those for the left controller 3, andwill not therefore be described in detail below. In the presentembodiment, the pairing button 69 is provided on the engaging surface ofthe slider 62 as shown in FIG. 6. That is, for the same reason for thepairing button 46 of the left controller 3, the pairing button 69 isarranged at such a position that the pairing button 69 cannot be seenwith the right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2.

With the right controller 4, as with the left controller 3, the buttonsprovided on the engaging surface of the slider 62 (specifically, thesecond L button 65, the second R button 66 and the pairing button 69)are provided so as not to protrude past the engaging surface. Thisallows the slider 62 to slide smoothly against the right rail member 19when the slider 62 is engaged with the right rail member 19 of the mainunit 2.

A window portion 68 is provided in the lower side surface of the housing51. The right controller 4 includes an infrared image-capturing section(an infrared image-capturing section 123 shown in FIG. 31), the detailsof which will be described later, to detect a hand movement and/or thegesture, etc., of the user by means of the infrared image-capturingsection 123. The window portion 68 is provided so as to allow the cameraof the infrared image-capturing section 123 arranged inside the housing51 to capture an image around the right controller 4. The window portion68 is provided for protecting the lens of the camera of the infraredimage-capturing section 123, and is made of a material (e.g., atransparent material) that allows light of a wavelength to be detectedby the camera to pass therethrough. Note that the window portion 68 maybe a hole formed in the housing 51. Note that in the present embodiment,the infrared image-capturing section 123 itself has a filter member forsuppressing the transmission therethrough of light of wavelengths otherthan the light (in the present embodiment, infrared light) to bedetected by the camera. Note however that in other embodiments, thewindow portion may have a filter function.

Note that for the controllers 3 and 4, there is no particular limitationon the shape, the number and the arrangement of the various elements(specifically, the slider, the stick, the buttons, the LEDs, etc.)provided on the housing 31 or 51. For example, in other embodiments, thecontrollers 3 and 4 may include a directional input section of adifferent type from an analog stick. The slider 40 or 62 may be arrangedat a position that corresponds to the position of the rail member 15 or19 provided on the main unit 2, and may be, for example, arranged on theprimary surface or the reverse surface of the housing 31 or 51. In otherembodiments, one or more of the various elements described above may beabsent on the controllers 3 and 4.

[1-1-4: Attachment Action]

Next, referring to FIG. 7 and FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the action ofattaching and detaching a controller to and from the main unit 2 will bedescribed. Note that although the description below is directed to theaction of attaching and detaching the left controller 3 to and from themain unit 2, the action of attaching and detaching the right controller4 to and from the main unit 2 can be done in the same manner as the leftcontroller 3.

When the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, a user firstinserts the lower end of the slider 40 of the left controller 3 into agroove of the left rail member 15 of the main unit 2 via the upper endof the left rail member 15. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example ofhow the left rail member 15 and the slider 40 engage with each other.Note that in order to facilitate understanding of the figure, elementsof the main unit 2 are shown in phantom line in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG.7, the slider 40 is inserted into the left rail member 15 so that theT-shaped cross section of the slider 40 engages with (or is fitted to)the C-shaped cross section of the left rail member 15 (in other words,the groove of the left rail member 15).

After inserting the lower end of the slider 40 into the groove of theleft rail member 15, the user further inserts the slider 40 down thegroove of the left rail member 15. That is, the user slides the leftcontroller 3 downward against the main unit 2. Then, when the leftcontroller 3 has been slid until the lower end of the slider 40 reachesthe position of the stopper 18 of the main unit 2, the left controller 3is locked to the main unit 2.

FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are diagrams showing an example of how the slider 40is locked to the left rail member 15. Note that FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) showa cross section of the left rail member 15 perpendicular to thefront-rear direction (the z-axis direction). In order to facilitateunderstanding of elements of interest to be discussed in conjunctionwith the figure, the elements are shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) withdifferent positional relationships and different sizes from FIG. 3, etc.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), when the left controller 3 is not completelyattached to the main unit 2 (i.e., when the lower end of the slider 40has not reached the stopper 18 of the main unit 2), the projection 41 ofthe slider 40 is retracted inside the slider 40 by being in contact withthe bottom surface of the rail member 15.

After the state shown in FIG. 8(a), the slider 40 is slid further downthe left rail member 15, the lower end of the slider 40 reaches theposition of the stopper 18 of the main unit 2 (see FIG. 8(b)). Then, asshown in FIG. 8(b), the projection 41 of the slider 40 faces theengagement hole 16 of the left rail member 15. Therefore, the projection41 protrudes from the engaging surface of the slider 40 to be insertedinto the engagement hole 16. Thus, the projection 41 engages with theengagement hole 16, thereby locking the left controller 3 to the mainunit 2 (in other words, locking the slider 40 to the left rail member15) to such a degree that a small force will not cause the leftcontroller 3 to come off.

When the left controller 3 is locked to the main unit 2, the terminal 42of the slider 40 is located so as to face the left-side terminal 17 ofthe left rail member 15 as shown in FIG. 8(b). Thus, the terminal 42 andthe left-side terminal 17 are connected together. This enables wiredcommunication (in other words, communication via physical connectionbetween terminals) between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2.This also allows power to be supplied from the main unit 2 to the leftcontroller 3.

Note that one or both of the controller-side terminal (i.e., theterminal 42) and the main unit-side terminal (i.e., the left-sideterminal 17) protrudes (only slightly) from the base surface. In thepresent embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the left-side terminal 17 onthe main unit side is provided to slightly protrude from the basesurface (i.e., the bottom surface of the left rail member 15). A metalportion 17 a is the contact point of the terminal, is provided toprotrude, and is able to deform toward its base surface. Therefore, whenthe terminals come into contact with each other, each terminal receivesa pressing force from the other terminal so as to be biased in thedirection in which it protrudes, as shown in FIG. 8(b). This as a resultensures a reliable contact between the terminals.

In the present embodiment, the left-side terminal 17 of the main unit 2is provided below the engagement hole 16. The terminal 42 of the leftcontroller 3 is provided below the projection 41. Therefore, when theslider 40 is inserted into the left rail member 15, the projection 41will not come into contact with the left-side terminal 17, therebylowering the possibility of the projection 41 damaging the left-sideterminal 17.

When detaching the left controller 3 from the main unit 2, a user slidesthe left controller 3 upward against the main unit 2. Note that when theleft controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the left controller 3is locked to the main unit 2 by means of the projection 41 and theengagement hole 16. Note however that a certain force or more forsliding the left controller 3 upward will dislocate the projection 41off the position of the engagement hole 16, thereby releasing the lock.After the lock is released, the left controller 3 can be further slid upto remove the left controller 3 from the main unit 2.

Note that in other embodiments, the left controller 3 may include amechanism capable of retracting the projection 41 into the slider 40.The left controller 3 may include a mechanism for retracting theprojection 41 into the slider 40 in response to a user pressing apredetermined button provided on the left controller 3, for example.Thus, by performing the operation described above, the user can easilyrelease the lock of the left controller 3 to the main unit 2 by means ofthe projection 41.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the controllers 3 and 4can be detachably attached to the main unit 2 by means of a slidemechanism including a rail member and a slider. With a slide mechanism,the controllers 3 and 4 can be securely locked to the main unit 2 fordirections other than the slide direction. Therefore, a user can easilyhold the information processing device 1 with the controllers 3 and 4attached to the main unit 2, with little shaking of the controllers 3and 4. In the present embodiment, also for the slide direction, theprojection and the engagement hole allow the controllers 3 and 4 to belocked to the main unit 2. This also reduces the shaking of thecontrollers 3 and 4 attached to the main unit 2, thereby allowing a userto easily hold the information processing device 1.

[1-2. Another Configuration Example Regarding Information ProcessingDevice]

Note that the configuration regarding the attachment of a controller tothe main unit 2 may use a second configuration example to be describedbelow, instead of the configuration example (referred to hereinafter asthe “first configuration example”) described above in “[1-1.Configuration of information processing device]”. The secondconfiguration example regarding the main unit 2 and the controllers 3and 4 will now be described, focusing on differences from the firstconfiguration example.

[1-2-1. Second Configuration Example Regarding Main Unit]

FIG. 9 is a left side view showing an example main unit according to thesecond configuration example. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing anexample left side surface portion of the main unit according to thesecond configuration example. In the second configuration example, themain unit 2 includes a left rail member 300 on the left side surface ofthe housing 11. As shown in FIG. 9, the left rail member 300 is providedso as to extend in the up-down direction (the y-axis direction shown inFIG. 9). The left rail member 300, similar to the left rail member 15 ofthe first configuration example, is a member for allowing the leftcontroller 3 to be slidably and detachably attached to the main unit 2.In the second configuration example, the left rail member 300 is capableof engaging with a slider 311 of the left controller 3 to be describedlater, and the left rail member 300 and the slider 311 together form aslide mechanism. The configuration of the left rail member 300 accordingto the second configuration example will now be described, focusing ondifferences from the first configuration example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing an example cross section ofthe left rail member taken along line A-A′ shown in FIG. 9. Note that“to schematically show” as used herein means to show an element ofinterest (e.g., the left rail member in FIG. 11) in such a manner thatits size, shape and positional relationship with other elements may bedifferent from other figures in order to facilitate understanding of theelement of interest.

As shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, the left rail member 300 includes abottom surface portion 301, side surface portions 302 a and 302 b andtop surface portions 303 a and 303 b. Note that the side surfaceportions 302 a and 302 b may be referred to collectively as “a sidesurface portion 302”. The top surface portions 303 a and 303 b may bereferred to collectively as “a top surface portion 303”. In the secondconfiguration example, these portions 301 to 303 are generallyplate-shaped members.

As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the bottom surface portion 301 is placedon the left side surface of the housing 11 so as to be substantiallyparallel to the left side surface. Note that “substantially (in acertain state)” as used herein means to include cases in which thatstate is achieved in a strict sense and also cases in which that stateis generally achieved. For example, “substantially parallel” means thatthey may be parallel to each other in a strict sense, and they may notbe parallel to each other in a strict sense but may be generallyparallel to each other.

The bottom surface portion 301 includes a bottom surface 3011 of theleft rail member 300. As shown in FIG. 11, the side surface portion 302includes side surfaces 3021 (specifically, side surfaces 3021 a and 3021b) substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 3011. The sidesurface portions 302 extend substantially perpendicular to the bottomsurface portion 301 from the opposite ends of the bottom surface portion301 in the front-rear direction (i.e., the z-axis direction).Specifically, the side surface portion 302 a extends from the rear endside (i.e., the z-axis positive direction side) of the bottom surfaceportion 301, and the side surface portion 302 b extends from the frontend side (i.e., the z-axis negative direction side) of the bottomsurface portion 301. As shown in FIG. 11, the bottom surface portion 301and the side surface portion 302 together form a groove portion.

As shown in FIG. 11, the top surface portion 303 includes a top surface3031 (specifically, side surfaces 3031 a and 3031 b) substantiallyparallel to the bottom surface 3011. The top surface portion 303 extendsin a direction substantially parallel to the bottom surface 3011 from anend of the side surface portion 302 that is opposite to the end at whichthe bottom surface portion 301 is connected to the side surface portion302 (i.e., the x-axis positive direction side). Specifically, the topsurface portion 303 a extends from an end portion of the side surfaceportion 302 a on the x-axis positive direction side, and the top surfaceportion 303 b extends from an end portion of the side surface portion302 b on the x-axis positive direction side. The top surface portion 303a and the top surface portion 303 b extend toward each other from theside surface portion 302. The top surface portion 303 is arranged so asto face the bottom surface portion 301. In the second configurationexample, the top surface portion 303 is arranged substantially parallelto the bottom surface portion 301. The top surface portions 303 a and303 b are provided so as to protrude from the side surface portion 302toward the inside of the left rail member 300 (in other words, so as toprotrude toward each other). The top surface portion 303 a and the topsurface portion 303 b are spaced apart from each other so that theslider 311 of the left controller 3 can be inserted into the grooveformed by the bottom surface portion 301 and the side surface portion302 (FIG. 9 to FIG. 11).

Thus, as in the first configuration example, when the left controller 3is attached to the main unit 2, the slider 311 of the left controller 3is inserted into the groove, and the left rail member 300 and the slider311 engage with each other (see FIG. 7 in the first configurationexample). Then, the slider 311 in engagement with the left rail member300 is securely locked by the top surface portion 303 so as not to comeoff in the direction perpendicular to the slide direction (in otherwords, the direction in which the left rail member 300 extends).

As described above, the slide mechanism in the second configurationexample (in other words, the mechanism for allowing the controllers 3and 4 to be slidably attached to the main unit 2) is generally similarto that of the first configuration example.

In the second configuration example, a part of the upper end portion ofthe top surface portion 303 includes a cut-out portion C1, as shown inFIG. 9 and FIG. 10. The cut-out portion C1 is provided so that a stopmember 319 of the left controller 3 engages with the cut-out portion C1(strictly speaking, the top surface portion 303 around the cut-outportion C1) in a state in which the left controller 3 is attached to themain unit 2, the details of which will be described later.

Herein, the “state in which a controller is attached to the main unit 2”refers to a state in which a portion of the controller, which has beeninserted into, moved down along, the rail member of the main unit 2(e.g., a portion of the slider, or more specifically, the lower end ofthe slider) can no longer move by being in contact with a portion of themain unit 2 (e.g., a portion of the rail member). Such a state in whicha controller is completely attached to the main unit 2 may be referredto hereinafter as the “attached state”. The attached state may also besaid to be a state in which a controller is connected to the main unit 2(i.e., the connected state). When the main unit 2 and the controllershave terminals as in the present embodiment, the attached state may alsobe said to be “a state in which the terminals are connected to eachother”.

As described above, in the second configuration example, a portion ofthe top surface portion 303 that forms the cut-out portion C1 (in otherwords, a portion around the cut-out portion C1) functions as astop-receiving portion with which the stop member is to engage. In thesecond configuration example, the slide movement of the left controller3 attached to the main unit 2 is limited (or “locked”) by thestop-receiving portion and the stop member 319, instead of theengagement hole 16 and the projection 41 in the first configurationexample, the details of which will be described later. Note that a statein which the slide movement is limited (in other words, “locked”) is astate in which the stop member 319 is interfered by the stop-receivingportion, thereby preventing the slide movement. Note that “to limit (orlock)” the slide movement means to prevent the slide movement with aforce less than a certain level, and means that the slide movement maybe allowed when a force greater than a certain level is applied (therebydisengaging the stop member 319 from the stop-receiving portion).

In the second configuration example, the stop-receiving portion isprovided near the upper end of the left rail member 300 (i.e., an endportion on the y-axis positive direction side) (FIG. 9). Note that inother embodiments, the stop-receiving portion may be provided at anyother position. For example, the stop-receiving portion may be providednear the center of the left rail member 300 in the up-down direction(i.e., the y-axis direction) or may be provided near the lower end.Alternatively, the top surface portion 303 may include no cut-outportion, and the upper end portion of the top surface portion 303 mayfunction as the stop-receiving portion. That is, in the attached state,the stop member 319 of the left controller 3 may engage with the endportion of the top surface portion 303.

In other embodiments, the left rail member 300 may be configured withoutthe stop-receiving portion. Note that also in such a configuration, bythe contact between terminals to be described later and/or by thepressure from leaf springs 305, it is possible to apply a force toprevent the slide movement of the left controller 3 attached to the mainunit 2, thereby making it difficult for the left controller 3 to comeoff the main unit 2.

In the second configuration example, the stop-receiving portion isprovided on each of the two top surface portions 303 a and 303 b (FIG.9). The stop-receiving portion on the top surface portion 303 a and thestop-receiving portion on the top surface portion 303 b are provided atsubstantially the same position with respect to the up-down direction.Thus, in the second configuration example, the shape of the left railmember 300 is substantially in left-right symmetry (FIG. 9). This allowsmembers of the same shape to be used as the rail member provided on theleft side surface of the main unit 2 and as the rail member provided onthe right side surface thereof. Thus, it is possible to simplify theproduction of the main unit 2 and to reduce the cost thereof.

When the stop-receiving portion is provided on both sides of the topsurface portion 303, the left controller 3 may include a stop memberthat engages with either one of the two stop-receiving portions.Therefore, according to the second configuration example, the main unit2 is able to accommodate a wider variety of controllers. According tothe second configuration example, it is possible to improve the freedomin the configuration of a controller that can be attached to the mainunit 2. Note that in other embodiments, the stop-receiving portion maybe provided in either one of the two top surface portions 303 a and 303b.

As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the left rail member 300 includes afacing portion 304. In the second configuration example, the facingportion 304 serves as the stopper 18 in the first configuration example(i.e., serves to stop the slide movement of the slider 311 of the leftcontroller 3). That is, the facing portion 304 stops the slide movementof the slider 311 by being in contact with the slider 311, which isinserted from the upper side in the slide direction. In the secondconfiguration example, the facing portion 304 is provided with theleft-side terminals 17. Note that in other embodiments, the slidemovement of the slider 311 may be stopped by the distal end of theslider 311 (specifically, the distal end of a protruding portion 321 tobe described later) being in contact with a wall surface 306 provided onthe far end of the facing portion 304 instead of (or in addition to) thefacing portion 304 being in contact with the slider 311.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing an example cross section ofthe left rail member taken along line B-B′ shown in FIG. 9. As shown inFIG. 12, the facing portion 304 is provided, spaced apart from thebottom surface portion 301, so as to be located to face a portion of thebottom surface portion 301 (specifically, a portion near the lower endof the bottom surface portion 301). That is, the facing portion 304includes a facing surface 304 a facing toward the bottom surface portion301. The facing surface 304 a is a surface that is facing toward thehousing 11 of the main unit 2. In the second configuration example, whenthe left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, (the distal endof) the slider 311 of the left controller 3 is inserted into the spacebetween the bottom surface portion 301 and the facing portion 304.

As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, the left-side terminals 17 are providedon the facing surface 304 a. Therefore, the left-side terminals 17 arearranged so that one side thereof facing the bottom surface portion 301is exposed. Thus, in the second configuration example, the left-sideterminals 17 are arranged on the reverse side (i.e., the side opposingthe bottom surface portion 301) of the member (i.e., the facing portion304) arranged spaced apart from the side surface of the main unit 2(i.e., the bottom surface portion 301). Then, it is possible to reducethe possibility that the left-side terminals 17 come into contact with ahand of a user or other objects, thereby protecting the left-sideterminals 17. According to the second configuration example, it ispossible for example to reduce the possibility of a hand of a userinadvertently coming into contact with the left-side terminals 17 andthe possibility of the left-side terminals 17 being damaged.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of the terminalsprovided on the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 13, in the secondconfiguration example, the facing portion 304 includes a base portion307 provided on the facing surface 304 a. The left-side terminals 17 areprovided on the base portion 307. In the present embodiment, the baseportion 307 is provided movably (at least in the direction perpendicularto the slide direction) to such a degree that the position thereof canbe slightly shifted with respect to the facing surface 304 a. This isfor making it easy to adjust the position of the left-side terminals 17during the alignment between the left-side terminals 17 of the main unit2 and the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 (the details of thealignment will be described later). Note that in other embodiments, thebase portion 307 (in other words, the left-side terminals 17) does notneed to be movable with respect to the facing surface 304 a (i.e., itmay be fixed to the facing surface 304 a). Also in this case, thealignment is done through at least one of the following methods.

-   -   By deformation of any of the members (e.g., the left rail member        300 itself, the base portion 307, the left-side terminals 17,        etc.) of the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2, by virtue        of its elasticity.    -   By deformation of any of the members (e.g., the slider 311        itself, the protruding portion 321 to be described later, the        terminals 42, etc.) of the slider 311 of the left controller 3,        by virtue of its elasticity.    -   By change in the positional relationship between the left rail        member 300 and the slider 311, in cases in which the left rail        member 300 and the slider 311 in engagement with each other have        a slight gap therebetween.

In other embodiments, the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 may bemovable, instead of (or in addition to) the base portion 307 for thepositional adjustment during the alignment.

As shown in FIG. 13, the base portion 307 includes the same number ofslots 307 a as the number (herein, ten) of the left-side terminals 17.The slots 307 a are provided so as to extend in the slide direction(i.e., the y-axis direction). The slots 307 a are arranged next to eachother in a direction (i.e., the z-axis direction) that is substantiallyparallel to the facing surface 304 a and substantially perpendicular tothe slide direction. Therefore, it can be said that the facing portion304 (specifically, the base portion 307) includes a wall portion 307 bbetween slots 307 a adjacent to each other.

The left-side terminals 17 are provided in the slots 307 a. As shown inFIG. 13, the left-side terminals 17 are provided within the slots 307 a,i.e., so that they do not protrude out of the slots 307 a. Assuming thatthe direction perpendicular to the facing surface 304 a (i.e., thex-axis direction) is the height direction, the left-side terminals 17are provided at a position lower than the wall portion 307 b (in otherwords, at a position closer to the facing surface 304 a). When theleft-side terminals 17 and the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 areconnected to each other in the attached state, the terminals 42 of theleft controller 3 partly come into the slots 307 a. That is, theterminals 42 of the left controller 3 are partly located between twowall portions 307 b. Note that a portion of a terminal 42 correspondingto a left-side terminal 17 in a slot 307 a comes into the slot 307 a.This reduces the possibility that the terminals 42 of the leftcontroller 3 are shifted in the direction (i.e., the z-axis direction)in which the left-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2 are arranged nextto each other. That is, it is possible to reduce the possibility that aterminal 42 of the left controller 3 contacts any left-side terminal 17of the main unit 2 other than the correct left-side terminal 17, whichmay lead to errors in communication between the main unit 2 and the leftcontroller 3 or may lead to electrical troubles due to an unexpectedcurrent flow between terminals inadvertently contacting each other. Byproviding the left-side terminals 17 in the slots 307 a, it is possibleto further reduce the possibility of the left-side terminals 17 beingdamaged.

If a conductive foreign substance sticks between terminals, it may leadto a short circuit. For this, according to the present embodiment, thewall portions 307 b are provided between the left-side terminals 17,thereby reducing the possibility that a conductive foreign substance maystraddle between terminals, thus reducing the possibility of a shortcircuit.

In the second configuration example, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, thetop surface portion 303 and the facing portion 304 are formed as anintegral unit. In other words, the upper surface (i.e., the surfacefacing the x-axis positive direction side) of the facing portion 304 iscontinuous with the upper surface (i.e., the surface facing the x-axispositive direction side) of the top surface portion 303. This makes itpossible to simplify the shape of the left rail member 300, and tofacilitate the production of the rail member.

Note that in the second configuration example, the left rail member 300including the portions 301 to 304 is formed by a metal. This makes itpossible to improve the mechanical strength of the rail member.Moreover, by improving the mechanical strength of the rail member, it isalso possible to contribute to improving the mechanical strength of themain unit 2 to which the rail member is attached.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the facing portion 304also serves to stop the slide movement of the slider 311 of the leftcontroller 3. In the second configuration example, as shown in FIG. 9and FIG. 10 the facing portion 304 includes a first portion arranged onone side of an axis (i.e., the y axis) extending along the slidedirection and a second portion arranged on the other side thereof. Inthe present embodiment, the first portion and the second portion arespaced apart from each other. The gap between the first portion and thesecond portion is so small that the slider 311 cannot be insertedtherethrough. Therefore, when the slider 311 is inserted into the leftrail member 300, the slide movement of the slider 311 is stopped with aportion of the slider 311 near the distal end thereof (specifically, thedistal end of a shaft 325 to be described later) being in contact withthe facing portion 304 (the details will be described later). Note thatin other embodiments, there may be no gap between the first portion andthe second portion. That is, the first portion and the second portionmay be formed as an integral unit.

In the second configuration example, as shown in FIG. 9, the left-sideterminals 17 and the stop-receiving portion (in other words, the cut-outportion C1) are provided on opposite sides with respect to the slidedirection of the left rail member 300. That is, the left-side terminals17 are provided on one side (i.e., on the y-axis negative directionside) with respect to the slide direction of the left rail member 300,and the stop-receiving portion is provided on the other side (i.e., they-axis positive direction side) with respect to the slide direction ofthe left rail member 300. In the attached state, the slide movement ofthe left controller 3 is prevented by means of the stop member 319 andthe stop-receiving portion, and also by means of the terminals being incontact with each other, the details of which will be described later.Therefore, in the second configuration example, it is possible toprevent the slide movement on both sides with respect to the slidedirection of the left rail member 300, allowing the force for preventingthe slide movement to be applied in a well-balanced manner. That is, itis possible to disperse the force acting upon the left rail member 300,thereby reducing the possibility of the left rail member 300 beingdamaged. As with the left rail member 300, it is also possible todisperse the force acting upon the slider 311 of the left controller,thereby reducing the possibility of the slider 311 being damaged.

As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the left rail member 300 include theleaf spring 305. The leaf spring 305 is provided on the bottom surfaceportion 301 of the left rail member 300. The leaf spring 305 is anexample of an elastic member for applying a force in a direction awayfrom the main unit 2 (the x-axis positive direction) onto the leftcontroller 3 in a state in which the left controller 3 is attached tothe main unit 2. In other embodiments, an elastic member of a rubber, orthe like, may be used instead of the leaf spring.

In the attached state, the leaf spring 305 is in contact with the slider311 of the left controller 3, pushing (in other words, biasing) the leftcontroller 3 in a direction away from the main unit 2 (i.e., the x-axispositive direction), the details of which will be described later. Then,it is possible to reduce the looseness between the main unit 2 and theleft controller 3. Therefore, the main unit 2 and the left controller 3can be connected together more firmly. It is also possible to reduce thenoise (so-called “chattering”) produced when the left controller 3 isvibrated by a vibrator 107 to be described later.

Note that as shown in FIG. 9, in the second configuration example, twoof the four leaf springs 305 are arranged on the upper side (i.e., they-axis positive direction side) of the center of the bottom surfaceportion 301, with the other two arranged on the lower side (i.e., they-axis negative direction side) of the center of the bottom surfaceportion 301. Two of the four leaf springs 305 are arranged on the frontside (i.e., the z-axis positive direction side) of the center of thebottom surface portion 301, with the other two arranged on the rear side(i.e., the z-axis negative direction side) of the center of the bottomsurface portion 301. Thus, a plurality (herein, four) of leaf springs305 are provided on both sides of the center of the left rail member 300with respect to the up-down direction (the y-axis direction) and/or withrespect to the front-rear direction (the z-axis direction). Then, it ispossible to apply a force on the left controller 3 attached to the mainunit 2 in a well-balanced manner by means of the leaf springs 305,thereby effectively reducing the looseness between the main unit 2 andthe left controller 3 and/or the chattering.

Note that although the number of leaf springs 305 is four in the secondconfiguration example, there may be any number of leaf springs in otherembodiments. In other embodiments, the arrangement of the leaf springs305 may be any arrangement, and the positions thereof are not limited tothose shown in FIG. 9. Note that in the second configuration example, inthe attached state, the leaf springs 305 are arranged so as to be incontact with an upper-tier surface 311 d (see FIG. 24) of the slider 311of the left controller 3.

Although not shown in the figure, the main unit 2 includes a right railmember on the right side surface of the housing 11. The right railmember is capable of engaging with a slider 331 of the right controller4 to be described later, and the right rail member and the slider 331together form a slide mechanism. Similar to the right rail member 19 inthe first configuration example, the right rail member in the secondconfiguration example is a member that allows the right controller 4 tobe slidably and detachably attached to the main unit 2, and can be saidto be a slide member. In the second configuration example, the mechanism(including the right rail member) on the right side surface of the mainunit 2 is in left-right symmetry (though this is not so in terms of thefunctions to be assigned to terminals) with the mechanism on the leftside surface including the left rail member 300.

In the second configuration example, the right rail member (includingthe base portion and the right-side terminals provided on the right railmember) has a similar configuration to the left rail member 300described above. As described above, in the second configurationexample, since the shape of the left rail member 300 is symmetric withrespect to the axis (i.e., the y axis) parallel to the front-reardirection, the same member can be used for the right rail member and forthe left rail member. That is, in the second configuration example, aright rail member having the same shape as the left rail member 300 isprovided on the right side surface of the main unit 2. Thus, it ispossible to simplify the production of the main unit 2 and to reduce thecost thereof.

Note that in the second configuration example, elements of the main unit2 other than those described above (e.g., elements to be arranged on theprimary surface, the back surface, the upper surface and the lowersurface of the housing) may be the same as those of the firstconfiguration example.

[1-2-2. Second Configuration Example Regarding Left Controller]

FIG. 14 is a six-sided view showing an example left controller accordingto the second configuration example. The left controller 3 of the secondconfiguration example is different from that of the first configurationexample in terms of the slider 311 and various portions thereof. Theconfiguration of the left controller 3 of the second configurationexample will now be described, focusing on differences from the firstconfiguration example. In FIG. 14, like elements to those shown in FIG.5 are denoted by like reference numerals and will not be described indetail below. Note that in FIG. 14, some operation sections (e.g., therecord button 37, the minus button 47, etc.) have different shapes thanthose of FIG. 5, but these operation sections have the same functions asthose of like reference numerals of the first configuration example.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the second configuration example, the leftcontroller 3 includes a main section 310 and the slider 311. The mainsection 310 may have similar functions to those of the housing 31 of thefirst configuration example, and may be the same as the housing 31. Asis the slider 40 of the first configuration example, the slider 311 is amember that allows the left controller 3 to be slidably and detachablyattached to the main unit 2.

As shown in FIG. 14, the slider 311 is provided on the right sidesurface (i.e., the side surface on the x-axis negative direction side)of the main section 310 of the left controller 3 so as to extend in theup-down direction (i.e., the y-axis direction). The slider 311 has ashape such that it can engage with the left rail member 300 of the mainunit 2 (more specifically, the portions 301 to 303 of the left railmember 300). Specifically, a cross section of the slider 311(specifically, a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction)has a shape protruding from the main section 310, as in the firstconfiguration example, and specifically has a T shape in conformity withthe cross-sectional shape of the left rail member 300 (see “(ENLARGEDVIEW)” shown in FIG. 14).

As shown in the “(ENLARGED VIEW)” in FIG. 14, the slider 311 includesthe shaft 325 and a top surface portion 326. The shaft 325 is providedso as to protrude from the main section 310. The top surface portion 326is provided on one side of the shaft 325 that is away from the mainsection 310 (i.e., the x-axis negative direction side). As describedabove, the cross section of the slider 311 taken along a directionperpendicular to the y-axis direction is T-shaped. That is, the width ofthe top surface portion 326 (i.e., the length with respect to the z-axisdirection) is greater than the width of the shaft 325. The end of thetop surface portion 326 in the z-axis direction is located so as toprotrude past (in other words, located on the outer side of) the end ofthe shaft 325 in the z-axis direction.

Thus, the cross section of the slider 311 taken along a directionperpendicular to the slide direction has a shape such that the width ofthe first portion (the shaft 325) protruding from the right side surfaceof the main section 310 (in other words, the first portion adjacent tothe right side surface) is less than the width of the second portion(the top surface portion 326) farther away from the right side surfaceof the main section 310 than the first portion. Therefore, the slider311 having been inserted into the groove of the left rail member 300engages with the left rail member 300, as in the engaged state shown inFIG. 7 in the first configuration example. Then, the slider 311 inengagement with the left rail member 300 is securely locked so as not tocome off the left rail member 300 in the direction perpendicular to theslide direction (in other words, the direction in which the left railmember 300 extends).

(Elements Regarding Terminals)

As shown in FIG. 14, also in the second configuration example, as in thefirst configuration example, the terminals 42 are provided at the lowerend of the slider 311. That is, the terminals 42 are provided at one endof the slider 311 that can be inserted into the main unit 2 (in otherwords, the distal end portion in the insertion direction in which theslider 311 can be inserted into the left rail member 300 of the mainunit 2, i.e., the lower end). Thus, as the slider 311 is inserted towardthe distal end of the left rail member 300 (i.e., the y-axis negativedirection), the terminals 42 move toward the left-side terminals 17 ofthe left rail member 300. Therefore, the terminals 42 can be guidedtoward the left-side terminals 17 to which the terminals 42 should beconnected, thereby making it possible to easily connect the terminals toeach other. When the slider 311 is completely (or generally completely)inserted into the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2, the terminals42 of the slider 311 and the left-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2are in contact with each other. Thus, when the left controller 3 isattached to the main unit 2, a user inserts the slider 311 completelyinto the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2 to connect theterminals to each other, thereby allowing the left controller 3 to beattached to the main unit 2 in the correct manner of attachment.

The second configuration example is different from the firstconfiguration example in terms of the arrangement of the terminals 42,etc. The details of the arrangement of the terminals 42 in the secondconfiguration example will be described.

FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing an example cross section ofthe slider 311 near the lower end thereof according to the secondconfiguration example. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing anexample partial cross section of the slider 311 taken along line C-C′shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the slider 311includes the protruding portion 321 on the lower end side of the slider311. The protruding portion 321 is provided on the lower end side of theslider 311 so as to protrude in the slide direction (more specifically,in the lower direction, i.e., the y-axis negative direction). Theprotruding portion 321 is provided on the slider 311 on one side awayfrom the main section 310 (i.e., the x-axis negative direction side).That is, the protruding portion 321 is provided, spaced apart from theright side surface of the main section 310. The protruding portion 321includes a facing surface 321 a facing toward the main section 310 ofthe left controller 3. The facing surface 321 a faces a predeterminedsurface of the left controller 3 (specifically, the right side surface).

Note that in the second configuration example, the protruding portion321 is absent at the upper end portion (i.e., the end portion on they-axis positive direction side) of the slider 311 (see FIG. 14). Whenthe slider 311 is inserted into the left rail member 300 of the mainunit 2, a user may inadvertently insert the slider 311, from the upperend thereof, into the left rail member 300. Even in such a case,according to the second configuration example, the upper end of theslider 311 cannot reach the left-side terminals 17 of the left railmember 300, thus reducing the possibility that the left-side terminals17 are damaged by the upper end of the slider 311.

The terminals 42 are provided on the facing surface 321 a of theprotruding portion 321. Therefore, the terminals 42 are arranged so thatone side thereof facing the main section 310 is exposed. Thus, in thesecond configuration example, the terminals 42 are arranged on thereverse side of the engaging surface of the slider 311 (specifically,the protruding portion 321). With the terminals 42 arranged so that oneside thereof facing the main section 310 is exposed, as described above,it is possible to reduce the possibility that the terminals 42 come intocontact with a hand of a user or other objects, thereby protecting theterminals 42. According to the second configuration example, it ispossible for example to reduce the possibility of a hand of a userinadvertently coming into contact with the terminals 42 and thepossibility of the terminals 42 being damaged. Note that in otherembodiments, the terminals 42 may be provided on a slope 323 a of adistal end portion 323 to be described later (FIG. 15). Since the slope323 a is facing toward the main section 310, as is the facing surface321 a, it is possible to realize the effect of protecting the terminals42.

As shown in FIG. 15, the terminals 42 is provided, spaced apart from theright side surface of the main section 310. When the left controller 3is attached to the main unit 2, the facing portion 304 of the main unit2 is inserted into the space between the terminals 42 (in other words,the protruding portion 321) and the right side surface of the mainsection 310 (FIG. 26), the details of which will be described later. Byarranging the terminals 42 and the main section 310 so as to form thespace described above, the facing portion 304 will be inserted into thespace, thus allowing the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 to be incontact with the left-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2 when the leftcontroller 3 is attached to the main unit 2.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an example of the protrudingportion 321 of the slider 311 according to the second configurationexample. FIG. 16 shows the protruding portion 321 as seen from thereverse side (i.e., the side of the facing surface 321 a). As shown in“(ENLARGED VIEW)” in FIG. 16, a hole 311 a is provided on a surface ofthe shaft 325 of the slider 311 on which the protruding portion 321 isprovided (i.e., the end surface on the y-axis negative direction side).The terminals 42 is provided so as to protrude from the inside of theslider 311 via the hole 311 a. The same number of slots 321 b as thenumber (herein, ten) of the terminals 42 are formed on the facingsurface 321 a of the protruding portion 321. The slots 321 b areconnected to the holes 311 a. The slots 321 b are provided so as toextend in the slide direction (i.e., the y-axis direction). As shown inFIG. 16, the slots 321 b are arranged next to each other in a direction(i.e., the z-axis direction) that is parallel to the facing surface 321a and perpendicular to the slide direction.

As shown in FIG. 16, the terminals 42 are provided on the facing surface321 a along the slots 321 b. The terminals 42 are arranged next to eachother in a direction perpendicular to the slide direction (i.e., thez-axis direction), as are the slots 321 b. In the second configurationexample, the terminals 42 are provided so that a portion thereof (e.g.,a distal end portion) is in the slot 321 b while the other portion isoutside the slot 321 b (FIG. 15 and FIG. 16). When the terminals 42 ofthe left controller 3 are connected to the left-side terminals 17 of themain unit 2 in the attached state, the terminals 42 are pressed anddeformed by the left-side terminals 17 to move in the direction towardthe slots 321 b (i.e., the x-axis negative direction), the details ofwhich will be described later. That is, at least a part of each terminal42 flexes into the slot 321 b in the facing surface 321 a. It can besaid that the slots 321 b allow the terminals 42 being deformed to beretracted so that the terminals 42 will not be in contact with thefacing surface 321 a. Thus, although the terminals 42 are not in contactwith the facing surface 321 a in the second configuration example, theyare provided at positions corresponding to the slots 321 b provided onthe facing surface 321 a, and are provided at such positions that theywould be in contact with the facing surface 321 a without the slots 321b. In this sense, in the second configuration example, it can be saidthat the terminals 42 are provided on the facing surface 321 a. Notethat in other embodiments, the slots 321 b may be absent on the facingsurface 321 a, and the terminals 42 may be provided so as to be incontact with the facing surface 321 a. As shown in FIG. 16, theterminals 42 extend along the facing surface 321 a.

As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the terminals 42 are provided so as toprotrude past the facing surface 321 a (specifically, so as to protrudeon the x-axis positive direction side). As described above, when theterminals 42 of the left controller 3 are connected to the left-sideterminals 17 of the main unit 2 in the attached state, a part of eachterminal 42 comes into the slot 307 a on the main unit 2 side (see FIG.13) (in other words, between two wall portions 307 b). The terminals 42are provided so as to protrude past the facing surface 321 a to preventthe facing surface 321 a from contacting the wall portions 307 b tohinder the terminals 42 from coming into the slots 307 a.

As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the terminals 42 are bent into anupward angular shape so as to protrude away from the facing surface 321a (i.e., in the x-axis positive direction). With such a shape, the apexportion of the angular shape can easily come into contact with theleft-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2. In other words, the surfaceof the terminals 42 to be in contact with the left-side terminals 17 ofthe main unit 2 (i.e., the surface facing toward the main section 310)can be viewed from the slide direction, and it can therefore be saidthat the lower end side (i.e., the y-axis negative direction side) ofthe slider 311 is exposed. This makes it easy for the terminals 42 to bein contact with the left-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2.

In the second configuration example, the protruding portion 321 includeswall portions 322 (see FIG. 16). The wall portions 322 are provided onthe facing surface 321 a on opposite sides with respect to the direction(i.e., the z-axis direction) parallel to the facing surface 321 a andsubstantially perpendicular to the slide direction. With the wallportions 322, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that theterminals 42 come into contact with a hand of a user or other objects,thereby more reliably protecting the terminals 42. As shown in FIG. 16,in the present embodiment, the wall portions 322 are provided so as toprotrude up to the distal end of the protruding portion 321. That is,the wall portions 322 extend up to a position that is closer to thedistal end of the protruding portion 321 than the terminals 42. Thus, itis possible to more reliably protect the terminals 42. Note that inother embodiments, the wall portions 322 do not need to extend up to thedistal end of the protruding portion 321.

Note that as described above, the terminals 42 are provided protrudingfrom the facing surface 321 a. The wall portions 322 are provided toextend higher than the height to which the terminals 42 protrude fromthe facing surface 321 a (see FIG. 15). Thus, the terminals 42 can bemore reliably protected by the wall portions 322. Note that in otherembodiments, the wall portions 322 may be provided to extend to a heightthat is less than or equal to the height to which the terminals 42protrude from the facing surface 321 a. The wall portion 322 may beprovided only on one side of the terminals 42 with respect to thefront-rear direction (i.e., the z-axis direction). Even in such anembodiment, the wall portions 322 provide a certain level of protectionfor the terminals 42. In other embodiments, the protruding portion 321may have no wall portion 322.

In the second configuration example, at the distal end portion of theprotruding portion 321 (in other words, the lower end portion of theslider 311, i.e., the end portion on the y-axis negative directionside), the wall portions 322 are formed so that the interval between twoinner walls 322 a thereof gradually increases toward the distal end ofthe protruding portion 321 (FIG. 16). Thus, when the left controller 3is attached to the main unit 2, the left-side terminals 17 of the mainunit 2 are guided into correct position with respect to the terminals 42of the left controller 3. That is, when the left controller 3 isattached to the main unit 2, if the position of the left-side terminals17 is slightly shifted from the terminals 42 (with respect to the z-axisdirection), the position of the left-side terminals 17 is corrected asthe base portion 307 of the left-side terminals 17 comes into contactwith the inner walls of the wall portions 322. Thus, the left-sideterminals 17 are aligned into correct position with respect to theterminals 42. As described above, the wall portions 322 have thefunction of aligning together the left-side terminals 17 and theterminals 42. Note that the slope 323 a may be a curved surface, and anintersection between the facing surface 321 a and the slope 323 a may bea chamfer.

As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the protruding portion 321 includes thedistal end portion 323. The distal end portion 323 is provided on thedistal end side (i.e., the y-axis negative direction side) of theterminals 42 with respect to the slide direction of the slider 311(i.e., the y-axis direction). Thus, the terminals 42 are arrangedslightly on the proximal side of the distal end (specifically, thedistal end on the y-axis negative direction side) of the slider 311.Therefore, when the controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, forexample, even if the distal end of the slider 311 comes into contactwith another object, the possibility of the terminals 42 being incontact with the object can be reduced. Thus, the terminals 42 can beprotected by the distal end portion 323.

As shown in FIG. 15, the distal end portion 323 has a shape such thatthe thickness thereof decreases toward the distal end (specifically, thedistal end on the lower end side of the slider 311). More specifically,the distal end portion 323 has the slope 323 a, which is sloping fromthe facing surface 321 a on which the terminals 42 are provided towardthe surface on the reverse side of the facing surface 321 a (in otherwords, away from the right side surface of the main section 310) (FIG.15). Therefore, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit2, the left-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2 (in other words, thefacing portion 304) are guided into correct position with respect to theterminals 42 of the left controller 3 (in other words, the protrudingportion 321). That is, when the left controller 3 is attached to themain unit 2, if the position of the left-side terminals 17 is slightlyshifted from the terminals 42 (with respect to the x-axis direction),the position of the left-side terminals 17 is corrected as the baseportion 307 of the left-side terminals 17 or the facing portion 304comes into contact with the slope 323 a. Thus, the left-side terminals17 are aligned into correct position with respect to the terminals 42.As described above, the slope 323 a of the distal end portion 323 hasthe function of aligning together the left-side terminals 17 and theterminals 42.

As shown in FIG. 14, the slider 311 includes a reinforcement member 312.The reinforcement member 312 is provided on the engaging surface of theslider 311. Specifically, the reinforcement member 312 is provided atleast in a portion of the engaging surface that corresponds to thefacing surface 321 a on which the terminals 42 are provided (in otherwords, a portion on the reverse side from the facing surface 321 a (seeFIG. 17). In other words, the reinforcement member 312 is provided atleast in the position of the protruding portion 321. That is, a portionof the protruding portion 321 is formed by the reinforcement member 312.In the second configuration example, the member forming the surface ofthe slider 311 is formed by a resin except for the reinforcement member312. On the other hand, the reinforcement member 312 is formed by ametal. Therefore, it is possible, with the reinforcement member 312, toincrease the mechanical strength of a portion of the slider 311 wherethe terminals 42 are provided (i.e., the protruding portion 321). Thereinforcement member 312 also suppresses the wear of the slider 311being rubbed against the left rail member 300 when the slider 311 isinserted into the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2. Note that inthe second configuration example, the protruding portion 321 is formedto be thin so as to form the slide mechanism to be thin in order toreduce the size of the device. Even if the protruding portion 321 isthus formed to be thin, the mechanical strength of the protrudingportion 321 can be maintained by the provision of the reinforcementmember 312. If the protruding portion 321 is formed thin and of a resin,it may be difficult to mold the protruding portion 321. In contrast,according to the second configuration example, it is possible to easilyproduce the protruding portion 321 including the portion describedabove.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing an example of a reinforcement memberand an insulation sheet provided on a slider. As shown in FIG. 17, asunken portion 311 b, which is sunken from the engaging surface, isformed near the lower end portion (i.e., the end portion on the y-axisnegative direction side) of the engaging surface of the slider 311. Thereinforcement member 312 is attached to the sunken portion 311 b. In thesecond configuration example, an insulation sheet 316 is first insertedinto the sunken portion 311 b, and the reinforcement member 312 isattached over the insulation sheet 316, thereby attaching thereinforcement member 312 on the slider 311 (more accurately, a portionof the slider 311 other than the reinforcement member 312). Note thatthe sunken portion 311 b is provided to extend not only over theprotruding portion 321 but also over a portion of the slider 311 that isnot the protruding portion 321. Thus, in the second configurationexample, the reinforcement member 312 is provided over the protrudingportion 321 and over a portion (of the slider 311) that is continuouswith the protruding portion 321. Thus, it is possible to reinforce theprotruding portion 321, and to reduce the possibility that theprotruding portion 321 is snapped off the main part of the slider 311(i.e., the portion other than the protruding portion 321).

As shown in FIG. 17, the slots 321 b described above are formed on thebottom surface of the sunken portion 311 b. That is, the slots 321 bprovided on the facing surface 321 a are running through to reach thebottom surface of the sunken portion 311 b on the reverse side of thefacing surface 321 a. Note that the terminals 42 extend not only overthe protruding portion 321 but also over the inner portion of the slider311. The slots 321 b on the bottom surface side of the sunken portion311 b are formed along the terminals 42. That is, the slots 321 b on thebottom surface side of the sunken portion 311 b extend not only thereverse side of the protruding portion 321 but also over the main partof the slider 311. Thus, when the terminals 42 are pressed and deformedby the left-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2 in the attached state,it is possible to reduce the possibility that a large force is appliedupon the terminals 42 as the terminals 42 come into contact with thebottom surface of the sunken portion 311 b (accurately, what would bethe bottom surface if the slots 321 b were not provided on the sunkenportion 311 b and if the bottom surface were provided at the position ofthe slots 321 b).

As shown in FIG. 17, the reinforcement member 312 includes a top surfaceportion 312 a, side surface portions 312 b, a hook portion 312 c and aground connection portion 312 d. Note that in the second configurationexample, the reinforcement member 312 having the portions 312 a to 312 dcan be produced by bending a single metal plate, and it is possible toeasily produce the reinforcement member 312.

The top surface portion 312 a is a portion having the top surface to bea part of the engaging surface of the slider 311 when the reinforcementmember 312 is attached to the slider 311. In the second configurationexample, the top surface portion 312 a has a generally rectangularshape. The reinforcement member 312 has four side surface portions 312b, and the side surface portions 312 b extend, substantiallyperpendicular to the top surface, from the four sides of the top surfaceportion 312 a. The side surface portions 312 b are in contact with theside surfaces of the sunken portion 311 b when the reinforcement member312 is attached to the sunken portion 311 b of the slider 311.

The hook portion 312 c is provided so as to protrude from the sidesurface portion 312 b. In the second configuration example, the hookportion 312 c is provided on three of the four side surface portions 312b, i.e., two side surface portions 312 b extending from the long sidesof the top surface portion 312 a and one side surface portion 312 bwhere the ground connection portion 312 d is provided. Note that asshown in the enlarged view in FIG. 17, the ground connection portion 312d is provided so as to protrude from the hook portion 312 c. There maybe any number of hook portions 312 c, and they may be provided on twoside surface portions 312 b or on four side surface portions 312 b. Thebottom surface of the sunken portion 311 b has a rectangular shape thatis substantially the same as that of the top surface portion 312 a, andslots 311 c are provided along those of the four sides of the bottomsurface that correspond to those side surface portions 312 b where thehook portions 312 c are provided. That is, in the second configurationexample, the slots 311 c are provided along three sides of the bottomsurface of the sunken portion 311 b. When the reinforcement member 312is attached to the slider 311, the hook portions 312 c are inserted intothe slots 311 c, thereby attaching the reinforcement member 312 to theslider 311.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of how the hook portion 312 c isinserted into the slot 311 c. FIG. 18(a) shows an example before thehook portion 312 c is inserted into the slot 311 c. As shown in FIG. 18,the hook portion 312 c includes claws 312 e on both sides of a directionthat is perpendicular to the insertion direction (i.e., the x-axispositive direction) in which the reinforcement member 312 is insertedinto the slots 311 c. The first end portion of the claw 312 e in theinsertion direction is formed so that the width of the hook portion 312c decreases toward the distal end in the insertion direction. The secondend portion of the claw 312 e, opposite from the first end portion, inthe insertion direction is formed to have a side extending substantiallyperpendicular to the insertion direction. Note that in otherembodiments, the side of the second end portion may be formed to extendtoward the inner side of the hook portion 312 c toward the distal end inthe insertion direction (see the dotted line shown in FIG. 18(a)). Thus,the claw 312 e has such a shape that the hook portion 312 c movesrelatively easily in the insertion direction, and the hook portion 312 cmoves less easily in the opposite direction to the insertion directionas the second end portion hooks on the slot 311 c.

FIG. 18(b) shows an example where the hook portion 312 c has beeninserted into the slot 311 c. As shown in FIG. 18(b), in this state, theclaw 312 e hooks on a side portion of the slot 311 c. In FIG. 18(b), aportion of the claw 312 e bites into the slider 311 (specifically, theside portion of the slot 311 c formed in the slider 311). Thus, with thehook portion 312 c inserted into the slot 311 c, the second end portionof the claw 312 e hooks on the side portion of the slot 311 c, thusmaking it difficult for the hook portion 312 c to come off the slot 311c. That is, the reinforcement member 312 is unlikely to come off theslider 311.

As described above, in the second configuration example, the terminals42 are placed relatively close to the reinforcement member 312 which isa metal member. If the terminals 42 and a metal member are placed closeto each other, there may be errors in communication between the leftcontroller 3 and the main unit 2 via the terminals 42 and there may bean unexpected current flow, or the like, therebetween, as the terminals42 are electrically affected by inadvertent contact with the metalmember. For example, as described above, in the attached state, theterminals 42 may be pressed and deformed by the left-side terminals 17of the main unit 2 to move into the slot 321 b. In such a case, if theterminals 42 contact the reinforcement member 312, which is a metalmember, there may be errors in communication between the left controller3 and the main unit 2 via the terminals 42 and there may be anunexpected current flow, or the like, therebetween.

In order to reduce such a possibility as described above, in the secondconfiguration example, the insulation sheet 316 is provided between theterminals 42 and the reinforcement member 312 (FIG. 17). That is, in thesecond configuration example, the reinforcement member 312 is attachedto the slider 311 after the insulation sheet 316 is inserted into thesunken portion 311 b. Then, it is possible to reduce the possibilitythat the terminals 42 are affected by the reinforcement member 312, andit is therefore possible to improve the accuracy of communicationbetween the left controller 3 and the main unit 2.

Note that in the present embodiment, the insulation sheet 316 alsoprovides a water-resisting function. Specifically, the insulation sheet316 can suppress entry into the slots 321 b of water that has come inthrough the gap between the reinforcement member 312 and the slider 311,and can reduce the possibility that water comes into the slots 321 b andtouches the terminals 42. Since the insulation sheet 316 has awater-resisting function, the insulation sheet 316 can be said to be awater-resisting sheet. Note that the insulation sheet 316 may be of awater-absorbing material or a water-repelling material. If theinsulation sheet 316 is of a water-absorbing material, it is possible toabsorb moisture by the insulation sheet 316 and to reduce thepossibility that water touches the terminals 42. When the insulationsheet 316 is of a water-repelling material, it is possible to cover theslots 321 b with the insulation sheet 316 and to reduce the possibilitythat water comes into the slots 321 b.

Note that even if the terminals 42 do not come into contact with thereinforcement member 312 which is a metal member (due to the provisionof the insulation sheet 316), the reinforcement member 312 may possiblybe electrically charged due to current flow through the terminals 42,static electricity from outside, etc. If the reinforcement member 312 iselectrically charged, the terminals 42 may be affected by thereinforcement member 312. Therefore, in the second configurationexample, the reinforcement member 312 is controlled at the referencepotential (ground) by using the ground connection portion 312 ddescribed above.

FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing an example arrangement ofelements inside the left controller 3. As shown in FIG. 19, the leftcontroller 3 includes an electronic circuit 318 therein. The electroniccircuit 318 is a printed board, for example, and may be a flexibleprinted circuit board formed by a film substrate. The terminal 42 andthe ground connection portion 312 d are connected to the electroniccircuit 318.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of how the terminal 42 and theground connection portion 312 d are connected to the electronic circuit318. Note that FIG. 20 only shows through holes and lands formed aroundthe through holes of the electronic circuit 318, and printed wiring,etc., are not shown. As shown in FIG. 20, the electronic circuit 318includes terminal land portions 318 a to which the terminal 42 isconnected. The terminal 42 is inserted into the through hole of theterminal land portion 318 a and is (electrically) connected to theterminal land portion 318 a by way of soldering, or the like. Note thatalthough FIG. 20 shows a state in which one terminal 42 is connected toone terminal land portion 318 a, ten terminals 42 are connected to tenterminal land portions 318 a in practice.

The electronic circuit 318 includes a ground land portion 318 b to whichthe ground connection portion 312 d is connected. The ground connectionportion 312 d is inserted into the through hole of the ground landportion 318 b, and is (electrically) connected to the ground landportion 318 b by way of soldering, or the like. The ground land portion318 b is a ground portion that is connected to the reference potential(in other words, has the reference potential). Although not shown in thefigure, in the electronic circuit 318, the terminal land portion 318 a,to which the ground terminal (of the ten terminals 42) is connected, iselectrically connected to the ground land portion 318 b via printedwiring. That is, the ground terminal is electrically connected to theground land portion 318 b.

As described above, in the second configuration example, since thereinforcement member 312 is electrically connected to the groundportion, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the reinforcementmember 312 is electrically charged. Then, it is possible to reduce thepossibility that the terminals 42 are affected by the reinforcementmember 312, and it is therefore possible to improve the accuracy ofcommunication between the left controller 3 and the main unit 2.

(Elements Regarding Stop Member)

As shown in FIG. 14, in the second configuration example, the leftcontroller 3 includes the stop member 319. The stop member 319 is amember for resisting the slide movement of the slider 311 of the leftcontroller 3 against the main unit 2 in the attached state. That is, thesecond configuration example uses the stop member 319, instead of theprojection 41 in the first configuration example, to resist (in otherwords, lock) the slide movement of the slider 311.

As shown in FIG. 14, the stop member 319 is provided on the upper side(i.e., the y-axis positive direction side) of the center of the slider311 with respect to slide direction. More specifically, the stop member319 is provided in the upper end portion of the slider 311. Note thatthe position of the stop member 319 along the slider 311 is determinedbased on the position of the stop-receiving portion along the left railmember 300 of the main unit 2. That is, the position of the stop member319 is determined so that the stop member 319 is located at the cut-outportion C1 of the top surface portion 303 of the left rail member 300 inthe attached state (FIG. 27). The stop member 319 is closer to the upperend portion of the slider 311 than the lower end portion of the slider311 with respect to slide direction. For example, when thestop-receiving portion is arranged at the upper end of the left railmember 300, the stop member 319 may be provided at the upper end of theslider 311.

If the stop member 319 is provided in an upper portion along the slider311 as in the second configuration example, it is possible to shortenthe period of time over which the stop member 319 is in contact with theleft rail member 300 when the slider 311 is inserted into the left railmember 300. Thus, a user can smoothly slide the slider 311. Note thatthere is no particular limitation on the position of the stop member319, and the stop member 319 may be provided in a lower portion alongthe slider 311 in other embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing an example positionalrelationship between the slider 311 and the stop member 319 according tothe second configuration example. As shown in FIG. 21(a), the stopmember 319 is provided so as to protrude from the slider 311(specifically, from the side surface portion of the slider 311). Thestop member 319 is provided so as to also protrude from the right sidesurface of the main section 310. Thus, in the second configurationexample, the stop member 319 is provided so as to protrude from the sidesurface portion of the slider 311 and from the right side surface of themain section 310.

As described above, the slider 311 includes the shaft 325, and the topsurface portion 326 having a greater width than the shaft 325. In thesecond configuration example, the stop member 319 is provided so that atleast a portion thereof protrudes from a hole 325 a (see FIG. 23) formedin the side surface of the shaft 325. The stop member 319 is provided sothat at least a portion thereof protrudes from a hole (not shown) formedin the right side surface of the main section 310.

Note that the stop member 319 may be provided at any position such thatthe stop member 319 can engage with the stop-receiving portion of theleft rail member 300 in the attached state. Therefore, instead ofprotruding from a side surface portion of the shaft 325, the stop member319 may be provided so as to protrude from any position of the leftcontroller 3 except for the side surface portion. For example, the stopmember 319 may be provided so as to protrude from a surface defining adepressed portion H (see FIG. 21), which is defined by the main section310 and the slider 311 of the left controller 3. Note that the depressedportion H is a portion whose cross section along a directionperpendicular to the slide direction the slider 311 is defined in adepressed shape by one or both of the main section 310 and the slider311 of the left controller 3.

In other embodiments, the stop member 319 may be provided at theposition shown in FIG. 22, for example. FIG. 22 is a diagramschematically showing an example positional relationship between theslider 311 and the stop member 319 according to another embodiment. Asshown in FIG. 22, the stop member 319 may be provided so as to protrude(only) from the main section 310. Although not shown in the figure, thestop member 319 may be provided so as to protrude (only) from the sidesurface of the slider 311. The stop member 319 may be provided so as toprotrude from the top surface portion 326 defining the depressed portionH (more specifically, from the hole provided in the top surface portion326). The stop member 319 may be provided so as to protrude from theside surface of the main section 310, the side surface of the shaft 325and the top surface portion 326. For example, the stop member 319 may beprovided so as to be inside of the top surface portion 326, in additionto the side surface of the main section 310 and the side surface of theshaft 325, in the state shown in FIG. 21(a).

As described above, according to the second configuration example, thestop member 319 is provided so as to protrude from a surface definingthe depressed portion, and it is therefore possible to reduce thepossibility that the stop member 319 is damaged by being in contact withother objects. Thus, according to the second configuration example, itis possible to protect the stop member 319 by the depressed portion.

The stop member 319 is provided so as not to protrude from the space inthe depressed portion (the area surrounded by a one-dot-chain line andhatching in FIG. 21(a)) into the space outside the left controller 3.Then, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the stopmember 319 is damaged by being in contact with other objects, and tomore reliably protect the stop member 319.

In the second configuration example, the stop member 319 is movable, andcan move into a state in which the stop member 319 is accommodatedinside the left controller 3 (specifically, inside the slider 311 or themain section 310) as shown in FIG. 21(b). That is, the stop member 319can assume two different states, i.e., the protruding state shown inFIG. 21(a) and the accommodated state shown in FIG. 21(b). When the stopmember 319 moves into the accommodated state, while in the attachedstate, the stop member 319 is disengaged from the stop-receiving portionof the left rail member 300 (i.e., no longer engaged with thestop-receiving portion), the details of which will be described later.This releases the lock (of the slider 311 for the slide movement) bymeans of the stop member 319.

In the second configuration example, the stop member 319 is movable in adirection (i.e., the z-axis direction) parallel to the right sidesurface of the left controller 3 as shown in FIG. 21. Specifically, thestop member 319 moves into the accommodated state by moving in thedirection (i.e., the z-axis negative direction) toward the inside of theslider 311. Note that the direction in which the stop member 319 ismovable may be any direction perpendicular to the slide direction. Forexample, in other embodiments, the stop member 319 can be movable in adirection (i.e., the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the right sidesurface of the left controller 3 as shown in FIG. 22. Then, the stopmember 319 moves into the accommodated state by moving in the direction(i.e., the x-axis positive direction) toward the inside of the mainsection 310.

Note that in the second configuration example, the stop member 319 ismovable into a position where the stop member 319 is entirelyaccommodated inside the left controller 3. That is, in the accommodatedstate, the entirety of the stop member 319 is accommodated inside theleft controller 3. In other embodiments, in the accommodated state, thestop member 319 does not need to be entirely accommodated inside theleft controller 3. That is, the stop member 319 may be movable betweenthe first position at which the stop member 319 protrudes from a surfacedefining the depressed portion and the second position at which the stopmember 319 is more into the left controller 3 than at the first position(the second position may be where the stop member 319 partly protrudesfrom the left controller 3). The stop member 319 may be a member that isprovided protruding from a surface defining the depressed portion andthat is capable of being deformed by an external force.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a stopmember and a release button. Note that FIG. 23 does not show someelements (the main section 310, etc.) in order to facilitateunderstanding of those elements to be discussed (i.e., the stop member319, a release button 313, the slider 311 and a spring 327). For thesame purpose, a part of the top surface portion 326 of the slider 311 isnot shown.

The stop member 319 is biased by an elastic member (specifically, thespring 327) into the protruding state. Specifically, the left controller3 includes the spring 327 therein. The spring 327 is provided more intothe slider 311 than the stop member 319. The spring 327 is in contactwith the stop member 319, biasing the stop member 319 toward the outerside of the slider 311.

In the second configuration example, the left controller 3 includes therelease button 313 (FIG. 14 and FIG. 23). A user can press the releasebutton 313 to transition the stop member 319 into the accommodatedstate, thereby releasing the lock by the stop member 319. Theconfiguration for transitioning the stop member 319 into theaccommodated state will now be described.

As shown in FIG. 23, the release button 313 is provided so as to be incontact with the stop member 319. That is, the release button 313 isconnected to the stop member 319. The stop member 319 is coupled to therelease button 313. Note that the stop member 319 and the release button313 may be formed as an integral unit. Note that although not shown inthe figure, a groove (in other words, a space) along which the stopmember 319 and the release button 313 can move is provided in the mainsection 310 and the slider 311. The stop member 319 and the releasebutton 313 are provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction(i.e., the z-axis direction) along the groove. Therefore, when therelease button 313 is pressed (i.e., moved in the z-axis negativedirection), the stop member 319 also moves, together with the releasebutton 313, in the button-pressing direction. As described above, thestop member 319 is biased by the spring 327 in the rear direction (i.e.,the z-axis positive direction). Therefore, in a state in which no forceother than the spring 327 is applied (e.g., a state in which the releasebutton 313 is not pressed), the stop member 319 is in the protrudingstate described above, and the release button 313 is in a state of beingpushed up from the reverse surface of the main section 310(specifically, a state in which it is pushed up in the direction fromthe inside toward the outside of the main section 310 so as to protrudefrom the reverse surface of the main section 310; referred to as the“pushed-up state”). That is, the release button 313 is biased in therear direction by the spring 327, as is the stop member 319.

A user can push down the release button 313 in the pushed-up state. Inresponse to the release button 313 being pushed down, the release button313 and the stop member 319 move toward the inside of the leftcontroller 3. As a result, the release button 313 is in the state inwhich it is pushed lower than in the pushed-up state (referred to as the“pushed-down state”). The stop member 319 moves into the slider 311through the hole 325 a, thereby moving into the accommodated state. Asdescribed above, a user can push down the release button 313 to bringthe stop member 319 into the accommodated state, thereby releasing thelock by the stop member 319.

In the second configuration example, the stop member 319 includes aslope 319 a at the lower end (i.e., the end portion on the y-axisnegative direction side) (FIG. 23). That is, the lower end of the stopmember 319 is tapered toward the distal end. Specifically, the slope 319a is sloped toward the distal end so that the position of the uppersurface thereof gradually changes in the direction in which the stopmember 319 is movable (in other words, in the moving direction from theprotruding state to the accommodated state, i.e., the z-axis negativedirection side). The slope 319 a is provided so that the stop member 319is unlikely to be interfered by the top surface portion 303 of the leftrail member 300 when inserting the slider 311 into the left rail member300 of the main unit 2, the details of which will be described later.

Note that an end surface substantially perpendicular to the slidedirection is provided at the upper end (i.e., the end portion on they-axis positive direction side) of the stop member 319 (FIG. 23). Thatis, the slope is not provided at the upper end, as opposed to the lowerend, and the upper end is not as sloped as the lower end. Therefore, theupper end is shaped so that it can easily be interfered by the topsurface portion 303 of the left rail member 300, as compared with thelower end.

Also in the second configuration example, as in the first configurationexample, the ZL button 39 is provided on the reverse surface of the mainsection 310 so as to project from the reverse surface. The leftcontroller 3 includes a projection portion 314 in the vicinity of the ZLbutton 39, the projection portion 314 projecting with respect to otherportions of the reverse surface of the main section 310 (FIG. 14). Asshown in FIG. 14, the release button 313 is provided near the ZL button39 (in other words, near the projection portion 314) on the reversesurface of the main section 310. Note that according to the secondconfiguration example, the ZL button 39 and the projection portion 314are provided so as to extend higher than the release button 313 withrespect to the “other portions of the reverse surface” described above.Therefore, when the left controller 3 is seen from a predetermineddirection parallel to the reverse surface (e.g., when seen from the leftside as shown in FIG. 14(b) or when seen from the upper side as shown inFIG. 14(d)), at least a portion of the release button 313 can no longerbe seen. Therefore, in the second configuration example, it is possibleto reduce the possibility of inadvertently pressing the release button313 or hitting the release button 313 against another object, resultingin the release button 313 being pressed. Thus, the ZL button 39 and/orthe projection portion 314 function as a projection for protecting therelease button 313. With the provision of the projection, it is possibleto reduce the possibility of inadvertently operating the release button313 and releasing the lock, resulting in the left controller 3 comingoff of the main unit 2. Note that in other embodiments, the ZL button 39and/or the projection portion 314 may be provided so as to extend lowerthan the release button 313 with respect to the other portions of thereverse surface. Also in such a case, as long as it is projecting fromthe reverse surface of the main section 310, it is possible to realizethe effect of protecting the release button 313.

In the second configuration example, the release button 313 is providedon the reverse surface of the main section 310 (FIG. 14). Therefore,when a user holds the information processing device 1 (with the leftcontroller 3 attached thereto) in such a manner that the operationsections 32 to 36 on the primary surface (i.e., the surface on the frontside) can be operated using the thumb (see FIG. 33), the release button313 can easily be operated using the index finger. That is, according tothe second configuration example, it is possible to provide theinformation processing device 1 having a high usability, in which therelease button 313 can easily be operated while holding the informationprocessing device 1.

Note that there is no particular limitation on the arrangement of therelease button 313. For example, in other embodiments, the releasebutton 313 may be provided on the primary surface of the main section310. Then, a user can view the release button 313 while holding theinformation processing device 1, and it is therefore possible to providea controller with an easy-to-operate release button 313.

In other embodiments, the release button 313 may be provided both on theprimary surface and on the reverse surface of the main section 310.Then, the mechanism for moving the stop member 319 into the accommodatedstate in response to the release button 313 being pressed may be (a) amechanism for moving the stop member 319 into the accommodated state inresponse to pressing of either one of the two release buttons 313, or(b) a mechanism for moving the stop member 319 into the accommodatedstate in response to pressing of both of the two release buttons 313.With the configuration (a), a user can operate one of the two releasebuttons 313 that the user feels easier to operate, thus improving theusability of the information processing device. With the configuration(b), the lock is not released when one of the two release buttons 313 isinadvertently operated, and it is therefore possible to reduce thepossibility that the lock is released inadvertently.

In other embodiments, the left controller 3 may not include the releasebutton 313. Then, a user is allowed to release the lock by the stopmember 319 to thereby remove the left controller 3 from the main unit 2by applying, on the left controller 3, a certain force or more forsliding the left controller 3 upward.

(Elements on Engaging Surface of Slider 311)

As shown in FIG. 14, also in the second configuration example, as in thefirst configuration example, the second L button 43, the second R button44, the indicator LED 45 and the pairing button 46 are provided on theengaging surface of the slider 311. In the second configuration example,depressed portions are provided at two positions on the engaging surfaceof the slider 311, and the second L button 43 and the second R button 44are provided in the depressed portions, respectively.

FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically showing an example configuration ofthe slider 311 near the second L button according to the secondconfiguration example. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the slider 311 asseen from the front side (i.e., as seen from the z-axis positivedirection side toward the z-axis negative direction side). Note thatalthough FIG. 24 shows a configuration of the slider 311 near the secondL button 43, the configuration of the slider 311 near the second Rbutton 44 is similar to that shown in FIG. 24.

As shown in FIG. 24, the engaging surface of the slider 311 includes theupper-tier surface 311 d, a slope 311 e and a lower-tier surface 311 f.The upper-tier surface 311 d is a surface that is farther away from themain section 310 of the left controller 3 (i.e., than the other surfaces311 e and 311 f). The lower-tier surface 311 f is a surface that iscloser to the main section 310 of the left controller 3 (i.e., than theupper-tier surface 311 d). In other words, the lower-tier surface 311 fis provided at a lower position than the upper-tier surface 311 d. Theslope 311 e is a surface connecting between the upper-tier surface 311 dand the lower-tier surface 311 f. In the second configuration example,the slope angle of the slope 311 e is less than 90° (e.g., less than45°).

As shown in FIG. 24, the second L button 43 is arranged on thelower-tier surface 311 f. In the second configuration example, (asopposed to the first configuration example), the lower-tier surface 311f and the slopes 311 e extend from one end to the other end in the widthdirection of the slider 311 (i.e., the z-axis direction). In otherwords, the depressed portion, which is defined by the lower-tier surface311 f and the slopes 311 e, extends from one end to the other end in thewidth direction of the slider 311. Thus, in the second configurationexample, the second L button 43 can be seen when the slider 311 isviewed from the width direction.

Note that in the second configuration example, the depressed portion,which is defined by the lower-tier surface 311 f and the slopes 311 e,is provided at a position different from an end portion of the slider311 in the slide direction. In other embodiments, the depressed portionmay be provided at an end of the slider 311 in the slide direction. Thatis, an end of the engaging surface in the slide direction may be formedby the lower-tier surface.

Also in the second configuration example, as in the first configurationexample, the second L button 43 is provided so as not to protrude pastthe upper-tier surface 311 d (FIG. 24). For example, the second L button43 extends away from the right side surface of the left controller 3 bya distance greater than a first distance from the right side surface tothe lower-tier surface 311 f and less than or equal to a second distancefrom the right side surface to the upper-tier surface 311 d. Thus, it ispossible to reduce the possibility that the second L button 43 comesinto contact with the bottom surface of the left rail member 300 whenthe slider 311 is attached to the left rail member 300 of the main unit2. This allows the slider 311 to be smoothly slid against the left railmember 300.

As described above, in the second configuration example, a slope isprovided on both sides of the operation section (the second L button 43and the second R button 44), making it easier to press the operationsection. Since the finger of the user pressing the operation sectiontouches the slope, it is possible to reduce the awkwardness to be feltby the user if the finger touched a step between the lower-tier surfaceand the upper-tier surface. Thus, according to the second configurationexample, it is possible to improve the controllability of the leftcontroller 3.

Note that the slope 311 e may be a flat surface as shown in FIG. 24, ora curved surface across which the slope angle varies. The slope anglemay smoothly vary at the boundary portion between the lower-tier surface311 f and the slope 311 e and at the boundary portion between theupper-tier surface 311 d and the slope 311 e. Then, it is possible tofurther reduce the awkwardness to be felt by the user.

As described above, in the second configuration example, the lower-tiersurface of each of the depressed portions where the second L button 43and the second R button 44 are provided extends to the perimeter of theengaging surface (FIG. 24). In contrast, the pairing button 46 in thesecond configuration example is formed as in the first configurationexample. That is, for the pairing button 46, the lower-tier surface isabsent along the perimeter of the engaging surface, and the upper-tiersurface is formed along the entire circumference of the pairing button46. Note that also in the second configuration example as in the firstconfiguration example, the pairing button 46 is provided so as not toprotrude past the upper-tier surface. The pairing button 46 is a buttonused to instruct the pairing process described above, and is notexpected to be pressed frequently during use of the informationprocessing device 1 (e.g., during game operations). Therefore, in thesecond configuration example, the pairing button 46 is less easy topress than the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 asdescribed above so as to reduce the possibility that the pairing button46 is inadvertently operated during use of the information processingdevice 1.

[1-2-3. Second Configuration Example Regarding Right Controller]

FIG. 25 is a six-sided view showing an example of the right controller 4according to the second configuration example. In the secondconfiguration example, the slider of the right controller 4 and varioussections provided thereon are configured differently from the firstconfiguration example. The configuration of the right controller 4according to the second configuration example will now be described,focusing on differences from the first configuration example. In FIG.25, like elements to those shown in FIG. 6 are denoted by like referencenumerals and will not be described in detail below. Note that in FIG.25, some operation sections (e.g., the plus button 57, etc.) havedifferent shapes than those of FIG. 6, but these operation sections havethe same functions as those of like reference numerals of the firstconfiguration example.

In the second configuration example, the right controller 4 includes amain section 330. The main section 330 may have similar functions tothose of the housing 51 of the first configuration example, and may bethe same as the housing 51. The right controller 4 has a similarconfiguration to that of the left controller 3 as the configuration forthe attachment to the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 25, the rightcontroller 4 includes the slider 331. As is the slider 62 of the firstconfiguration example, the slider 331 is a member that allows the rightcontroller 4 to be slidably and detachably attached to the main unit 2.

The slider 331 is provided so as to extend in the up-down direction(i.e., the y-axis direction) on the left side surface (i.e., the sidesurface on the x-axis positive direction side) of the main section 330of the right controller 4. In the second configuration example, theconfiguration of the slider 331 of the right controller 4 (including theshape of the slider 331 and various members provided on the slider 331)is the same as that of the slider 311 of the left controller 3, exceptfor the position of the hole for the stop member. The hole 325 a isformed in one side surface of the shaft 325 of the slider 311 of theleft controller 3, whereas the hole is formed in the other side surfaceof the shaft of the slider 331 of the right controller 4. Thus, a holeis formed on the reverse surface side (i.e., the surface on the z-axispositive direction side) of the controller for both of the controllers 3and 4.

Note that the slider 311 used for the left controller 3 and the slider331 used for the right controller 4 do not need to completely coincidewith each other. For example, the left controller 3 and the rightcontroller 4 may be different from each other in terms of the positionsof operation sections (e.g., the second L button, the second R button,etc.) provided thereon.

In other embodiments, the slider 311 used for the left controller 3 andthe slider 331 used for the right controller 4 may be the same. Then,the same slider can be commonly used for the left controller 3 and forthe right controller 4, thereby improving the efficiency of theproduction of the controller.

As shown in FIG. 25, the right controller 4 includes a stop member 339and a release button 333, as does the left controller 3. The shapes ofthe stop member 339 and the release button 333 of the right controller 4are the same as those of the stop member 319 and the release button 313of the left controller 3 (see FIG. 23), except for they are reversed inthe left-right direction. The position of the stop member 339 of theright controller 4 is similar to that of the stop member 319 of the leftcontroller 3. That is, the stop member 339 is provided on the upper sideof the center of the slider 331 (i.e., the y-axis positive directionside) with respect to the slide direction. The stop member 339 isprovided so as to protrude from a surface defining the depressedportion, which is defined by the main section 330 (specifically, theleft side surface of the main section 330) of the right controller 4 andthe slider 331, and provided so as not to protrude from the space in thedepressed portion into the space outside the right controller 4.

The position of the release button 333 on the right controller 4 issimilar to the position of the release button 313 on the left controller3. That is, the release button 333 is provided near the ZR button 61 (inother words, near a projection portion 334) formed on the reversesurface of the main section 330 (FIG. 14). Therefore, for the rightcontroller 4, the ZR button 61 and/or the projection portion 334function as a projection for protecting the release button 333.

As described above, the stop member 339 and the release button 333 ofthe right controller 4 have a similar mechanism to that of the stopmember 319 and the release button 313 of the left controller 3.Therefore, when the right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2,the stop member 339 engages with the stop-receiving portion of the rightrail member of the main unit 2, thereby locking the slide movement ofthe right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2. In this state, inresponse to the release button 333 being pressed, the stop member 339moves into the accommodated state, thereby releasing the lock by thestop member 339.

[1-2-4. Attachment Operation in Second Configuration Example]

Next, referring to FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the operation of attaching acontroller to the main unit 2 according to the second configurationexample will be described. Note that although the following descriptionis directed to an example operation of attaching the left controller 3to the main unit 2, the operation of attaching the right controller 4 tothe main unit 2 can be performed in a similar manner.

(Operation Regarding Connection Between Terminals)

Also in the second configuration example as in the first configurationexample, in order to attach the left controller 3 to the main unit 2, auser first inserts the lower end of the slider 311 of the leftcontroller 3 into the groove of the left rail member 300 of the mainunit 2 via the upper end of the left rail member 300. Thus, the slider311 and the left rail member 300 (slidably) engage with each other. Alsoin the second configuration example as in the first configurationexample, the engagement between the slider 311 and the left rail member300 is generally as shown in FIG. 7. The user further moves the slider311, which has been inserted into the left rail member 300, toward thedistal end of the left rail member 300 (i.e., downward).

FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the mechanismaround the left-side terminals 17 and 42 before and after the slider 311is attached to the left rail member 300. Note that FIG. 26 is across-sectional view taken along a direction perpendicular to thefront-rear direction (i.e., the z-axis direction) (for the slider 311, across-sectional view taken along the same direction as the C-C′ crosssection shown in FIG. 14), and FIG. 26 shows elements of the leftcontroller 3 hatched for the purpose of making it easier to distinguishbetween elements of the main unit 2 and elements of the left controller3.

FIG. 26(a) shows a state in which the left controller 3 has not beenattached to the main unit 2 (i.e., a state in which the lower end of theslider 311 has not reached the distal end of the left rail member 300 ofthe main unit 2). FIG. 26(b) shows a state in which the left controller3 has been attached to the main unit 2 (the attached state describedabove). The attached state shown in FIG. 26(b) is achieved, from thestate shown in FIG. 26(a), by sliding the slider 311 toward the distalend of the left rail member 300 (i.e., downward).

Note that as described above, the protruding portion 321 includesmembers (specifically, the wall portions 322 and the distal end portion323) having the function of aligning the left-side terminals 17 and theterminals 42 with each other. Therefore, according to the secondconfiguration example, in the attached state, the terminals can be incontact with each other in a correct positional relationship.

In the attached state, the protruding portion 321 of the slider 311 isinserted between the bottom surface portion 301 of the left rail member300 and the facing portion 304. Then, the terminals 42 of the leftcontroller 3 come into contact with the left-side terminals 17 of themain unit 2. Thus, the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 and theleft-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2 are electrically connected toeach other.

Note that as described above, in the attached state, the terminals 42 ofthe left controller 3 partially come between the wall portions 307 bprovided on the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2. Therefore,according to the second configuration example, it is possible to reducethe possibility that the terminals 42 of the left controller 3 areshifted in the direction (i.e., the z-axis direction) in which theleft-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2 are arranged next to eachother.

In the attached state, since the terminals 42 of the left controller 3and the left-side terminals 17 of the main unit 2 are in contact witheach other, the frictional force between the terminals gives a forceinhibiting the slide movement of the slider 311 in the removal directionthereof (i.e., the direction in which the slider 311 is removed from theleft rail member 300, in other words, the direction opposite to thedirection in which the slider 311 is inserted into the left rail member300).

In the attached state, the leaf spring 305 provided on the left railmember 300 is in contact with the slider 311 (specifically, theupper-tier surface 311 d of the slider 311), thereby pressing the leftcontroller 3 in the direction away from the main unit 2 (i.e., thex-axis positive direction). Then, it is possible to reduce the loosenessbetween the main unit 2 and the left controller 3, and it is possible tofirmly connect the main unit 2 and the left controller 3 to each other.Moreover, the frictional force between the leaf spring 305 and theslider 311 gives a force inhibiting the slide movement of the slider 311in the removal direction thereof.

As described above, in the second configuration example, the attachedstate of the left controller 3 to the main unit 2 can be maintained notonly by the stop member 319 to be described later but also by theterminals 17 and 42 and the leaf spring 305.

(Operation Regarding Stop Member 319)

Next, referring to FIG. 27, the operation of the stop member 319 whenattaching the left controller 3 to the main unit 2 will be described.FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the mechanismaround the stop member 319 before and after the slider 311 is attachedto the left rail member 300. Note that FIG. 27 only shows those elementsto be discussed, and does not show those elements not to be discussed,for the purpose of making it easier to understand the description of theoperation of the stop member 319.

When the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the slider311 of the left controller 3 is inserted into the groove of the leftrail member 300 of the main unit 2 and moved toward the distal end ofthe left rail member 300 (i.e., downward). FIG. 27(a) shows a statebefore the stop member 319 provided in an upper end portion of theslider 311 reaches the upper end of the top surface portion 303 a of theleft rail member 300. As described above, the stop member 319 is biasedinto the protruding state, the stop member 319 is in the protrudingstate when the top surface portion 303 a is not in contact with the stopmember 319.

When the slider 311 moves toward the distal end of the left rail member300, from the state shown in FIG. 27(a), the top surface portion 303 acomes into contact with the stop member 319. FIG. 27(b) shows a state inwhich the top surface portion 303 a is in contact with the stop member319. In the state in which the top surface portion 303 a is in contactwith the stop member 319, the stop member 319 is pushed by the topsurface portion 303 a into the accommodated state, in which the stopmember 319 is accommodated in the hole 325 a provided in the shaft 325of the slider 311. Note that the slope 319 a is provided on the lowerend side of the stop member 319 as described above. Therefore, the topsurface portion 303 a approaching the stop member 319 comes into contactwith the slope 319 a of the stop member 319. Thus, when the slider 311is inserted into the left rail member 300, the stop member 319 cansmoothly move into the accommodated state without being substantiallyinterfered by the top surface portion 303 a.

When the slider 311 moves toward the distal end of the left rail member300 from the state (FIG. 27(b)) in which the stop member 319 is movedinto the accommodated state or a nearly accommodated state by the topsurface portion 303 a, the attached state is achieved in which the leftcontroller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. FIG. 27(c) shows theattached state. In the attached state, the stop member 319 is locatedcorresponding to the cut-out portion C1 formed in the top surfaceportion 303 a. Therefore, the stop member 319 moves back into theprotruding state as shown in FIG. 27(c). Then, the end of the stopmember 319 on the upper end side (i.e., the y-axis positive directionside) engages with (in other words, comes into contact with) thestop-receiving portion of the top surface portion 303 a. That is, thestop member 319 generally prevents the slide movement of the slider 311in the removal direction. Thus, with the stop member 319, it is possibleto secure (in other words, lock) the controller 3 to the main unit 2.

Note that as described above, the stop member 319 may be provided so asto protrude at least from the side surface of the main section 310 andfrom the top surface portion 326. That is, in the protruding state, aportion of the stop member 319 may be in a hole provided in the sidesurface of the main section 310 and in a hole provided in the topsurface portion 326. Then, there is no gap between the stop member 319and the main section 310 or the top surface portion 326, and it ispossible to reduce the possibility that the top surface portion 303 a ofthe left rail member 300 passes through the gap. That is, it is possibleto reduce the possibility that even though the stop member 319 is stillin the protruding state, the top surface portion 303 a passes throughthe gap, and the stop member 319 fails to engage with the top surfaceportion 303 a, resulting in the slider 311 coming off of the left railmember 300.

When removing the left controller 3 from the main unit 2, a user pressesthe release button 313 described above. In response to the releasebutton 313 being pressed, the stop member 319 moves into theaccommodated state, thereby releasing the state in which the stop member319 is resisting the slide movement of the slider 311 in the removaldirection. Therefore, the user can relatively easily (as compared with astate in which the stop member 319 is resisting the slide movement)slide the left controller 3 in the removal direction so as to remove theleft controller 3 from the main unit 2.

[1-3. Function of Terminals on Main Unit and Controllers]

Next, functions of the terminals (in other words, the content of signalsand/or information to be exchanged using the terminals) of the main unit2 and the controllers 3 and 4 will be described. Note that thearrangement of the terminals differs between the first configurationexample and the second configuration example described above. Notehowever that the terminals can be assigned different functions asfollows even if the configuration of the terminals is different fromeither of these two configuration examples.

In the present embodiment, the left-side terminals 17 on the left railmember 300 of the main unit 2, the right-side terminals 21 on the rightrail member, the terminals 42 on the left controller 3, and theterminals 64 on the right controller 4 each include ten terminals. Theseten terminals will be referred to as the first to tenth terminals. Thefirst to tenth terminals are assigned the following functions.

-   -   Terminal for charging the controller    -   Terminal for transferring the data communication signal from the        controller to the main unit 2    -   Terminal for transferring the data communication signal from the        main unit 2 to the controller and for transferring the signal        for the main unit 2 to detect the connection (in other words,        attachment) of the controller    -   Terminal for transferring the control signal from the controller        to the main unit 2    -   Terminal for transferring the control signal from the main unit        2 to the controller    -   Terminal for detecting the signal for the main unit 2 to detect        the connection (in other words, attachment) of the controller    -   Terminal for detecting the signal for the controller to identify        the extension device (e.g., an extension grip to be described        later)    -   Terminal for supplying power from the controller to the        extension device    -   Ground terminal

Note that of the nine functions listed above, any terminal may beassigned any function. In the present embodiment, two of the first totenth terminals are assigned the function as a ground terminal. In otherembodiments, some of these functions may not be assigned to terminals,or some terminals may be assigned functions other than those listedabove.

[1-4. Configuration of Cradle]

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an exampleinformation processing system according to the present embodiment. Asdescribed above, the information processing system includes theinformation processing device 1 and the cradle 5. As shown in FIG. 28,the information processing device 1 can be placed in the cradle 5. Thecradle 5 can communicate (either via wired communication or wirelesscommunication) with a TV 6, which is an example of an external displaydevice separate from the display 12. When the information processingdevice 1 is placed in the cradle 5, the information processing systemcan display images obtained or produced by the information processingdevice 1 on the TV 6, the details of which will be described later. Inthe present embodiment, the cradle 5 has a function of charging theinformation processing device 1 placed therein and a function as a hubdevice (specifically, a USB hub), the details of which will be describedlater.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an external configuration of an example ofthe cradle 5. The cradle 5 has a housing such that the informationprocessing device 1 can be placed therein (or attached thereto, in otherwords). In the present embodiment, the housing includes a first support71 provided with a groove 71 a, and a generally-planar second support72, as shown in FIG. 29.

As shown in FIG. 29, the groove 71 a provided in the first support 71 isshaped in conformity with the shape of the lower portion of theinformation processing device 1. Specifically, the groove 71 a is shapedso as to allow the lower portion of the information processing device 1to be inserted into the groove 71 a, and more specifically is shaped togenerally match the shape of the lower portion of the informationprocessing device 1. Thus, the information processing device 1 can beplaced in the cradle 5 by inserting the lower portion of the informationprocessing device 1 into the groove 71 a. The second support 72 supportsthe surface (i.e., the surface on which the display 12 is provided) ofthe information processing device 1, of which the lower portion has beeninserted into the groove 71 a. With the second support 72, the cradle 5can more stably support the information processing device 1. Note thatthe shape of the housing shown in FIG. 29 is merely an example, and thehousing of the cradle 5 may have any other shape in other embodimentsthat allows the information processing device 1 to be placed in thecradle 5.

Note that in FIG. 29, the information processing device 1 is placed inthe cradle 5 so that the primary surface of the main unit 2 (i.e., thesurface of the display 12) faces the second support 72. Note howeverthat in the present embodiment, the information processing device 1 maybe placed in the cradle 5 so that the reverse surface of the main unit 2faces the second support 72. That is, in the present embodiment, a usercan place the information processing device 1 in the cradle 5 in thefront-facing orientation (i.e., an orientation such that the display 12can be seen), or place the information processing device 1 in the cradle5 in the back-facing orientation (i.e., an orientation such that thedisplay 12 is hidden).

As shown in FIG. 29, the cradle 5 also includes the main body terminal73 for allowing the cradle 5 to communicate with the informationprocessing device 1. As shown in FIG. 29, the main body terminal 73 isprovided on the bottom surface of the groove 71 a formed in the firstsupport 71. More specifically, the main body terminal 73 is located soas to be in contact with the lower terminal 27 of the informationprocessing device 1 when the information processing device 1 is attachedto the cradle 5. In the present embodiment, the main body terminal 73 isa USB connector (more specifically, a male-side connector). Note that inthe present embodiment, the information processing device 1 can beattached to the cradle 5 either in the front-facing orientation or inthe back-facing orientation, as described above. Thus, the lowerterminal 27 of the information processing device 1 and the main bodyterminal 73 of the cradle 5 are each symmetric with respect to the depthdirection (i.e., the z-axis direction shown in FIG. 1), allowing them tocommunicate with each other whether they are connected in oneorientation or the other with respect to the depth direction.

As shown in FIG. 29, the cradle 5 includes a sleep button 74. The sleepbutton 74 is button for switching between the ON mode and the sleep modeof the main unit 2 attached to the cradle 5. Note that in otherembodiments, the sleep button 74 may have the function of turning ON/OFFthe power of the main unit 2, in addition to (or instead of) thefunction of switching between the ON mode and the sleep mode of the mainunit 2.

Note that in the present embodiment, the sleep button 74 is provided onthe front surface of the first support 71. The sleep button 74 may beprovided at any position such that the sleep button 74 can be presseddown with the information processing device 1 attached to the cradle 5.For example, the sleep button 74 may be provided on the side surface ofthe housing of the cradle 5 or on the back surface of the second support72.

In the present embodiment, the sleep button 74 includes a light-emittingportion (specifically, LED). The light-emitting portion of the sleepbutton 74 is used to indicate, to the user, the status of the main unit2 attached to the cradle 5. That is, the light-emitting portion varieshow light is emitted (in other words, how it is lit) depending on thestatus of the main unit 2 attached to the cradle 5. For example, in thepresent embodiment, the light-emitting portion is lit when the main unit2 attached to the cradle 5 is in the ON mode, and the light-emittingportion is turned OFF when the main unit 2 is in the sleep mode or inthe power-off mode. Moreover, when the main unit 2 has information thatshould be indicated to the user (e.g., program update information,announcement, advertisement, etc.), the light-emitting portion blinks.Note that the light-emitting portion does not need to be provided on thesleep button 74, but it may be provided at any position on the housingof the cradle 5, for example.

Although not shown in FIG. 29, the cradle 5 includes a terminal (in thepresent embodiment, a plurality of terminals, specifically, a monitorterminal 132, a power terminal 134 and extension terminals 137 shown inFIG. 32) provided on the back surface of the housing. The details ofthese terminals will be described later.

There is no particular limitation on the shape, the number and thearrangement of the various elements provided on the cradle 5(specifically, the housing, the terminals and the button) describedabove. For example, in other embodiments, the housing may have any othershape such that the information processing device 1 can be supported bythe housing. Some of the terminals provided on the housing may beprovided on the front surface of the housing. In other embodiments, someof the various elements described above may be absent from the cradle 5.

[2. Internal Configuration of Various Units]

[2-1. Internal Configuration of Main Unit 2]

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing an example internal configuration ofthe main unit 2. In addition to the elements shown in FIG. 3, the mainunit 2 also includes elements 81 to 98 shown in FIG. 30. Some of theseelements 81 to 98 may be mounted, as electronic components, on anelectronic circuit board and accommodated in the housing 11.

(Elements Regarding Execution of Information Process)

The main unit 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81. The CPU 81is an information processing section for executing various informationprocesses to be executed on the main unit 2. The CPU 81 executes variousinformation processes by executing an information processing programstored in a storage section that can be accessed by the CPU 81(specifically, an internal storage medium such as a flash memory 84 orexternal storage media attached to the slots 23 and 24, etc.).

The main unit 2 includes, as an example internal storage medium providedin the main unit 2, the flash memory 84 and a DRAM (Dynamic RandomAccess Memory) 85. The flash memory 84 and the DRAM 85 are connected tothe CPU 81. The flash memory 84 is a memory used primarily for storingvarious data (which may be programs) saved on the main unit 2. The DRAM85 is a memory used for temporarily storing various data andinstructions used in information processes.

The main unit 2 includes a first slot interface (hereinafter abbreviatedas “I/F”) 91. The main unit 2 also includes a second slot I/F 92. Theslot I/Fs 91 and 92 are connected to the CPU 81. The first slot I/F 91is connected to the first slot 23, and reads and writes data from and toa storage medium of the first type (e.g., an SD card) inserted in thefirst slot 23, in response to an instruction from the CPU 81. The secondslot I/F 92 is connected to the second slot 24, and reads and writesdata from and to a storage medium of the second type (e.g., a dedicatedmemory card) inserted in the second slot 24, in response to aninstruction from the CPU 81.

The CPU 81 executes the information processes described above by readingand writing data from and to the memories 84 and 85 and the storagemedia.

(Elements Regarding Communication)

The main unit 2 includes a network communication section 82. The networkcommunication section 82 includes, for example, communication circuitryconfigured for network communication and is connected to the CPU 81. Thenetwork communication section 82 communicates (specifically, in wirelesscommunication) with an external device via a network. In the presentembodiment, the network communication section 82 is a Wi-Fi certifiedcommunication module, for example, and communicates with an externaldevice via a wireless LAN. Note that in other embodiments, the main unit2 may have the function of implementing communication by connecting to amobile communication network (in other words, a mobile telephonecommunication network), in addition to (or instead of) the function ofimplementing communication by connecting to a wireless LAN.

The main unit 2 includes a controller communication section 83. Thecontroller communication section 83 includes, for example, circuitryconfigured for communication with controllers 3 and 4 and is connectedto the CPU 81. The controller communication section 83 communicates withthe controllers 3 and/or 4 in wireless communication. While there is noparticular limitation on the communication scheme between the main unit2 and the controllers, the controller communication section 83communicates with the controllers in accordance with the Bluetooth(registered trademark) standard in the present embodiment.

The CPU 81 is connected to the left-side terminal 17, the right-sideterminal 21 and the lower terminal 27 described above. Whencommunicating with the left controller 3 in wired communication, the CPU81 transmits data to the left controller 3 via the left-side terminal17. When communicating with the right controller 4 in wiredcommunication, the CPU 81 transmits data to the right controller 4 viathe right-side terminal 21. When communicating with the cradle 5, theCPU 81 transmits data to the cradle 5 via the lower terminal 27.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the main unit 2 is capable ofcommunicating with the left and right controllers 3 and 4 either inwired communication or in wireless communication. Note that the processof switching between wired communication and wireless communication willbe described later.

The main unit 2 can communicate with a plurality of left controllerssimultaneously (in other words, in parallel). The main unit 2 cancommunicate with a plurality of right controllers simultaneously (inother words, in parallel). Therefore, users can make inputs to theinformation processing device 1 by using a plurality of left controllersand a plurality of right controllers.

(Elements Regarding Input/Output to/from Main Unit 2)

The main unit 2 includes a touch panel controller 86, which is a circuitfor controlling the touch panel 13. The touch panel controller 86 isconnected to the touch panel 13, and is connected to the CPU 81. Basedon a signal from the touch panel 13, for example, the touch panelcontroller 86 generates data representing the position at which thetouch input has been performed, and outputs the data to the CPU 81.

The display 12 described above is connected to the CPU 81. The CPU 81displays images generated and/or images obtained from outside on thedisplay 12 (e.g., by executing the information processes describedabove).

The main unit 2 includes a codec circuit 87 and a speaker (specifically,a left speaker and a right speaker) 88. The codec circuit 87 isconnected to the speaker 88 and the sound input/output terminal 25, andis also connected to the CPU 81. The codec circuit 87 is a circuit forcontrolling the input/output of sound data to/from the speaker 88 andthe sound input/output terminal 25. That is, when sound data is receivedfrom the CPU 81, the codec circuit 87 outputs, to the speaker 88 or thesound input/output terminal 25, a sound signal obtained by performing aD/A conversion on the sound data. Thus, sound is output from the speaker88 or a sound output section (e.g., an earphone) connected to the soundinput/output terminal 25. When a sound signal is received from the soundinput/output terminal 25, the codec circuit 87 performs an A/Dconversion on the sound signal and outputs sound data of a predeterminedformat to the CPU 81.

The sound volume button 26 described above (specifically, the soundvolume buttons 26 a and 26 b shown in FIG. 3) is connected to the CPU81. The CPU 81 controls the sound volume of the output from the speaker88 or the sound output section based on an input to the sound volumebutton 26.

The main unit 2 includes an inertial sensor such as an accelerationsensor 89. In the present embodiment, the acceleration sensor 89 detectsthe magnitude of the linear acceleration along directions of threepredetermined axes (e.g., the xyz axes shown in FIG. 1). Note that theacceleration sensor 89 may detect acceleration in one axis direction ortwo axis directions.

The main unit 2 includes an angular velocity sensor 90. In the presentembodiment, the angular velocity sensor 90 detects the angular velocityabout three predetermined axes (e.g., the xyz axes shown in FIG. 1).Note that the angular velocity sensor 90 may detect the angular velocityabout one axis or two axes.

The acceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90 areconnected to the CPU 81, and the detection results of the accelerationsensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90 are output to the CPU 81.Based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor 89 and theangular velocity sensor 90, the CPU 81 can calculate informationregarding movement and/or attitude (e.g., orientation in threedimensions) of the main unit 2.

(Elements Regarding Power)

The main unit 2 includes a power control section 97 and a battery 98.The power control section 97 includes, for example, circuitry configuredfor power control and is connected to the battery 98 and the CPU 81.Although not shown in the figure, the power control section 97 isconnected to various sections of the main unit 2 (specifically, varioussections receiving power supply from the battery 98, the left-sideterminal 17 and the right-side terminal 21). The power control section97 controls the power supply from the battery 98 to the various sectionsbased on an instruction from the CPU 81. The power control section 97 isconnected to the power button 28. The power control section 97 controlsthe power supply to the various sections based on an input on the powerbutton 28. That is, when the power-OFF operation is performed on thepower button 28, the power control section 97 stops the power supply tosome or all of the various sections, and when the power-ON operation isperformed on the power button 28, the power control section 97 startsthe power supply to some or all of the various sections. When aninstruction to switch to the sleep mode is given to the power button 28,the power control section 97 stops the power supply to some elements,including the display 12, and when an instruction to switch to the ONmode is given to the power button 28, the power control section 97starts the power supply to the elements. The power control section 97also outputs, to the CPU 81, information representing the input on thepower button 28 (specifically, information indicating whether or not thepower button 28 is being pressed).

The battery 98 is connected to the lower terminal 27. When an externalcharging device (e.g., the cradle 5) is connected to the lower terminal27, and power is supplied to the main unit 2 via the lower terminal 27,the battery 98 is charged with the power supplied thereto. Note that inthe present embodiment, the charging capacity of the battery 98 of themain unit 2 is larger than the charging capacity of the battery of thecontrollers 3 and 4 to be described later.

(Other Elements)

The main unit 2 includes a magnetic force sensor (referred to also as amagnetic sensor) 93 for detecting the intensity and/or the direction ofa magnetic field. The magnetic force sensor 93 is connected to the CPU81, and the detection results of the magnetic force sensor 93 are outputto the CPU 81. In the present embodiment, the magnetic force sensor 93is used to detect whether a protection cover (not shown) attached to theinformation processing device 1 is open or closed. For example, theprotection cover is provided with a magnet, and the CPU 81 detects whenthe primary surface of the main unit 2 is covered by the protectioncover based on the detection results of the magnetic force sensor 93.Note that when such a state is detected, the CPU 81 turns OFF thedisplay of the display 12, for example.

The main unit 2 includes the ambient light sensor 94 for detecting theintensity of the ambient light around the main unit 2. The ambient lightsensor 94 is connected to the CPU 81, and the detection results of theambient light sensor 94 are output to the CPU 81. In the presentembodiment, the ambient light sensor 94 is used to adjust the brightnessof the display 12. That is, the CPU 81 controls the brightness of thedisplay 12 based on the detection results of the ambient light sensor94.

The main unit 2 includes a cooling fan 96 for radiating heat from insidethe main unit 2. With the cooling fan 96 in operation, the air outsidethe housing 11 is introduced into the housing 11 through the air inlethole 11 d and the air inside the housing 11 is discharged through theair outlet hole 11 c, thereby discharging heat from inside the housing11. The cooling fan 96 is connected to the CPU 81, and the operation ofthe cooling fan 96 is controlled by the CPU 81. The main unit 2 includesa temperature sensor 95 for detecting the temperature inside the mainunit 2. The temperature sensor 95 is connected to the CPU 81, and thedetection results of the temperature sensor 95 are output to the CPU 81.The CPU 81 controls the operation of the cooling fan 96 based on thedetection results of the temperature sensor 95.

[2-2. Internal Configuration of Left Controller 3]

FIG. 31 a block diagram showing an example internal configuration of theinformation processing device 1. Note that the details of the internalconfiguration of the information processing device 1 that are related tothe main unit 2 are shown in FIG. 30, and are therefore not shown inFIG. 31.

(Elements Regarding Communication)

The left controller 3 includes a communication control section 101 forcommunicating with the main unit 2. As shown in FIG. 31, thecommunication control section 101 is connected to various elementsincluding the terminal 42 described above. In the present embodiment,the communication control section 101 is capable of communicating withthe main unit 2 both in wired communication via the terminal 42 and inwireless communication without using the terminal 42. The communicationcontrol section 101 controls the communication method used by the leftcontroller 3 for communicating with the main unit 2. That is, when theleft controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the communicationcontrol section 101 communicates with the main unit 2 via the terminal42. When the left controller 3 is detached from the main unit 2, thecommunication control section 101 communicates with the main unit 2(specifically, with the controller communication section 83) in wirelesscommunication. The wireless communication between the controllercommunication section 83 and the communication control section 101 is inaccordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

The left controller 3 includes a memory 102 such as a flash memory, forexample. The communication control section 101 is a microcomputer(referred to also as a microprocessor), for example, and executesvarious processes by executing firmware stored in the memory 102.

(Elements Regarding Input)

The left controller 3 includes the buttons 103 (specifically, thebuttons 33 to 39, 43 and 44). The left controller 3 includes the analogstick (labeled “stick” in FIG. 31) 32 described above. The buttons 103and the analog stick 32 repeatedly output, with appropriate timing,information regarding operations performed thereon to the communicationcontrol section 101.

The left controller 3 includes an acceleration sensor 104. In thepresent embodiment, the acceleration sensor 104 detects the magnitude ofthe linear acceleration along directions of three predetermined axes(e.g., the xyz axes shown in FIG. 1). Note that the acceleration sensor104 may detect acceleration in one axis direction or two axisdirections.

The left controller 3 includes an angular velocity sensor 105. In thepresent embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 105 detects the angularvelocity about three predetermined axes (e.g., the xyz axes shown inFIG. 1). Note that the angular velocity sensor 105 may detect theangular velocity about one axis or two axes.

The acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 areconnected to the communication control section 101. The detectionresults of the acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor105 are repeatedly output, with appropriate timing, to the communicationcontrol section 101.

The communication control section 101 obtains input-related information(specifically, information regarding operations or detection results ofsensors) from the input sections (specifically, the buttons 103, theanalog stick 32 and the sensors 104 and 105). The communication controlsection 101 transmits operation data including the obtained information(or information obtained by performing a predetermined process on theobtained information) to the main unit 2. Note that operation data istransmitted repeatedly once per a predetermined period of time. Notethat the interval at which the input-related information is transmittedto the main unit 2 may or may not be the same among different inputsections.

As the operation data is transmitted to the main unit 2, the main unit 2can know the input that has been performed on the left controller 3.That is, the main unit 2 can determine operations performed on thebuttons 103 and the analog stick 32 based on the operation data. Themain unit 2 can calculate information regarding movement and/or attitudeof the left controller 3 based on the operation data (specifically, thedetection results of the sensors 104 and 105).

(Elements Regarding Output)

The indicator LED 45 described above is connected to the communicationcontrol section 101. In the present embodiment, the indicator LED 45 iscontrolled by an instruction from the main unit 2. That is, when theinstruction is received from the main unit 2, the communication controlsection 101 outputs, to the indicator LED 45, a control signal forcontrolling the lighting of the indicator LED 45 in accordance with theinstruction.

Note that the communication control section 101 may determine whether ornot to cause the indicator LED 45 to emit light based on whether theleft controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2. That is, the indicatorLED 45 may be controlled not to emit light when the left controller 3 isattached to the main unit 2 and controlled to emit light on thecondition that the left controller 3 is not attached to the main unit 2.This is because, for example, when the left controller 3 is attached tothe main unit 2, there is little need to emit light since the indicatorLED 45 cannot be seen.

The left controller 3 includes a vibrator 107 for indications to theuser through vibration. In the present embodiment, the vibrator 107 iscontrolled by an instruction from the main unit 2. That is, when theinstruction is received from the main unit 2, the communication controlsection 101 drives the vibrator 107 in accordance with the instruction.The left controller 3 includes an amplifier 106. When the instruction isreceived, the communication control section 101 outputs a control signalin accordance with the instruction to the amplifier 106. The amplifier106 amplifies the control signal from the communication control section101 and generates a driving signal for driving the vibrator 107 to givethe driving signal to the vibrator 107. This actuates the vibrator 107.

(Elements Regarding Power)

The left controller 3 includes a power supply section 108. In thepresent embodiment, the power supply section 108 includes a battery anda power control circuit. Although not shown in the figure, the powercontrol circuit is connected to the battery and is connected to thevarious sections of the left controller 3 (specifically, varioussections receiving power supply from the battery). The power controlcircuit controls the power supply from the battery to the varioussections.

The battery is also connected to the terminal 42. In the presentembodiment, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2,the battery is charged with the power supply from the main unit 2 viathe terminal 42 under a predetermined condition, the details of whichwill be described later.

[2-3. Internal Configuration of Right Controller 4]

(Elements Regarding Communication)

As shown in FIG. 31, the right controller 4 includes a communicationcontrol section 111 for communicating with the main unit 2. The rightcontroller 4 includes a memory 112 connected to the communicationcontrol section 111. The communication control section 111 is connectedto various elements including the terminal 64 described above. Thecommunication control section 111 and the memory 112 have similarfunctions to the communication control section 101 and the memory 102 ofthe left controller 3. Therefore, the communication control section 111is capable of communicating with the main unit 2 both in wiredcommunication via the terminal 64 and in wireless communication withoutusing the terminal 64 (specifically, communication in accordance withthe Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard), and controls thecommunication method by which the right controller 4 communicates withthe main unit 2.

(Elements Regarding Input)

The right controller 4 includes similar input sections (specifically,the buttons 113, the analog stick 52, an acceleration sensor 114 and anangular velocity sensor 115) to those of the left controller 3. Theseinput sections have similar functions and operate in a similar fashionto the input sections of the left controller 3.

(Elements Regarding Output)

The indicator LED 67 of the right controller 4 operates in a similarfashion to the indicator LED 45 of the left controller 3. That is, whenthe instruction from the main unit 2 is received, the communicationcontrol section 111 outputs, to the indicator LED 67, a control signalfor controlling the lighting of the indicator LED 67 in accordance withthe instruction.

The right controller 4 includes a vibrator 117 and an amplifier 116. Thevibrator 117 and the amplifier 116 operate in a similar fashion to thevibrator 107 and the amplifier 106 of the left controller 3. That is,the communication control section 111 actuates the vibrator 117 usingthe amplifier 116 in accordance with an instruction from the main unit2. As discussed above, various implementations for vibrator 117 arepossible.

(Elements Regarding Power)

The right controller 4 includes a power supply section 118. The powersupply section 118 has a similar function and operates in a similarfashion to the power supply section 108 of the left controller 3. Thatis, the power supply section 118 controls the power supply to thevarious sections receiving power supply from the battery. When the rightcontroller 4 is attached to the main unit 2, the battery is charged withthe power supply from the main unit 2 via the terminal 64 under apredetermined condition.

(Other Elements)

The right controller 4 includes an NFC communication section 122. TheNFC communication section 122 implements near-field wirelesscommunication in accordance with a conventional NFC (Near FieldCommunication) standard. The NFC communication section 122 has thefunction of a so-called NFC reader/writer. For example, the NFCcommunication section 122 includes an antenna used for the near-fieldwireless communication, and a circuit (e.g., an NFC chip) for generatinga signal (radio wave) to be transmitted from the antenna. Note that thenear-field wireless communication is not limited to those based on theNFC standard, but may also be any proximity communication (referred toalso as non-contact communication). The proximity communication forexample includes communication schemes in which one device generates anelectromotive force on the other device by radio waves therefrom (e.g.,through electromagnetic induction).

The right controller 4 includes the infrared image-capturing section123. The infrared image-capturing section 123 includes an infraredcamera for capturing an image in a region around the right controller 4.In the present embodiment, the infrared image-capturing section 123 isused to capture an image of a hand of a user. The information processingdevice 1 identifies an input made with the hand (e.g., a gesture input,etc.) based on information (e.g., the position, the size, the shape,etc.) of the hand of which the image has been captured. The infraredimage-capturing section 123 can rely on ambient infrared illumination,or in one example includes an illuminating section for outputtinginfrared light. The illuminating section outputs infrared light insynchronism with the timing at which the infrared camera captures animage, for example. The infrared light output from the illuminatingsection is reflected by an object (e.g., a hand of a user), and thereflected infrared light is received by the infrared camera, thusobtaining an image of the infrared light. Thus, it is possible to obtaina clearer infrared light image. Note that while the infraredimage-capturing section 123 including an infrared camera is used in thepresent embodiment, a visible light camera (a camera using a visiblelight image sensor) or other image sensor may be used, instead of aninfrared camera, as an image-capturing device, in other embodiments.

The right controller 4 includes a processing section 121. The processingsection 121 is connected to the communication control section 111 andalso connected to the NFC communication section 122. The processingsection 121 includes, for example, processing circuitry and executes amanagement process for the NFC communication section 122 in response toan instruction from the main unit 2. For example, the processing section121 controls the action of the NFC communication section 122 in responseto an instruction from the main unit 2. The processing section 121 alsocontrols the activation of the NFC communication section 122, andcontrols the action (specifically, reading and writing, etc.) of the NFCcommunication section 122 on a communication partner (e.g., an NFC tag).The processing section 121 also receives information to be transmittedto the communication partner from the main unit 2 via the communicationcontrol section 111 to pass this information to the NFC communicationsection 122, and obtains from the NFC communication section 122information received from the communication partner to transmit thisinformation to the main unit 2 via the communication control section111.

The processing section 121 executes a management process for theinfrared image-capturing section 123 in response to an instruction fromthe main unit 2. For example, the processing section 121 causes theinfrared image-capturing section 123 to perform an image-capturingoperation, and obtains information based on the image-capturing result(information of the captured image or information calculated from suchinformation, etc.) to transmit this information to the main unit 2 viathe communication control section 111.

[2-4. Internal Configuration of Cradle 5]

FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an example internal configuration ofthe cradle 5. Note that the details of the internal configurationregarding the main unit 2 are shown in FIG. 30 and are therefore notshown in FIG. 32.

(Elements Regarding Image Conversion)

As shown in FIG. 32, the cradle 5 includes a conversion section 131 andthe monitor terminal 132. The conversion section 131 includes, forexample, circuitry configured for performing video and sound conversionand is connected to the main body terminal 73 and the monitor terminal132. The conversion section 131 converts a signal format regardingimages (referred to also as video) and sound received from the main unit2 into a format to be output to the TV 6. In the present embodiment, themain unit 2 outputs image and sound signals to the cradle 5 as a displayport signal (i.e., a signal in accordance with the DisplayPortstandard). In the present embodiment, communication based on the HDMI(registered trademark) standard is used for communication between thecradle 5 and the TV 6. That is, the monitor terminal 132 is an HDMIterminal, and the cradle 5 and the TV 6 are connected together by anHDMI cable. Thus, the conversion section 131 converts the display portsignal (specifically, a signal representing video and sound) receivedfrom the main unit 2 via the main body terminal 73 into an HDMI signal.The converted HDMI signal is output to the TV 6 via the monitor terminal132.

The cradle 5 includes a processing section 135 for executing variousinformation processes on the cradle 5. The processing section 135includes, for example, processing circuitry and is connected to thesleep button 74 described above, and is connected to the main bodyterminal 73 via a connection processing section 136 (the details ofwhich will be described later). The processing section 135 detects anoperation performed on the sleep button 74, and notifies the main unit 2of the operation. When receiving such a notification, the main unit 2switches between the ON mode and the sleep mode thereof. Thus, in thepresent embodiment, when the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5,the ON mode and the sleep mode of the information processing device 1are switched from one to another in response to the sleep button 74being pressed down.

(Elements Regarding Charging)

The cradle 5 includes a power control section 133 and the power terminal134. The power terminal 134 is a terminal for connecting a chargingdevice (not shown) (e.g., an AC adaptor, etc.). In the presentembodiment, it is assumed that an AC adaptor is connected to the powerterminal 134, and the cradle 5 is receiving commercial power supply.

When the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5, the power controlsection 133 supplies power from the power terminal 134 to the main unit2 via the main body terminal 73. Thus, the battery 98 of the main unit 2is charged as described above.

Note that in the present embodiment, the power terminal 134 is aconnector (i.e., a female-side USB terminal) of the same shape as thelower terminal 27 of the information processing device 1. Therefore, inthe present embodiment, the charging device may be connected to thecradle 5 to charge the information processing device 1 via the cradle 5,or the charging device may be connected directly to the main unit 2 tocharge the information processing device 1.

(Other Elements)

The cradle 5 includes the connection processing section 136 and theextension terminals 137. The extension terminals 137 are terminals forconnecting other devices. In the present embodiment, the cradle 5includes a plurality (more specifically, three) of USB terminals as theextension terminals 137. The connection processing section 136 includes,for example, processing circuitry and is connected to the main bodyterminal 73 and the extension terminals 137. The connection processingsection 136 has a function of a USB hub, and manages the communicationbetween devices connected to the extension terminals 137 and the mainunit 2 connected to the main body terminal 73, for example, (i.e., asignal from one device is appropriately distributed among otherdevices). As described above, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 is capable of communicating with other devices viathe cradle 5. Note that the connection processing section 136 may becapable of converting the communication speed or supply power to devicesconnected to the extension terminals 137.

[3. Outline of Operation of Information Processing System]

As described above, in the present embodiment, the left and rightcontrollers 3 and 4 can be attached to and detached from the informationprocessing device 1. By being attached to the cradle 5, the informationprocessing device 1 is capable of outputting images (and sound) to theTV 6. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can be used invarious modes of use as will be described below. The operation of theinformation processing system in primary modes of use will now bedescribed.

[3-1. Mode in which Controller is Used Attached to Main Unit]

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of how the informationprocessing device 1 is used with the controllers 3 and 4 attached to themain unit 2 (referred to as the “attached state”). As shown in FIG. 33,when the controllers 3 and 4 are attached to the main unit 2, theinformation processing device 1 can be used as a portable device (e.g.,a portable game device).

In the attached state, the main unit 2 and the controllers 3 and 4communicate with each other in wired communication (i.e., communicationbetween devices connected together via terminals). That is, the mainunit 2 receives operation data from the controllers 3 and 4 attachedthereto, and executes an information process based on the receivedoperation data (specifically, by using operation data as an input).

Note that in other embodiments, the main unit 2 and the controllers maycommunicate with each other in wireless communication in the attachedstate. In the attached state, wireless communication may not workproperly because the main unit 2 and the controllers are too close toeach other. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the main unit 2 andthe controllers communicate with each other in wired communication inthe attached state, thereby improving the reliability of communication.

Note that in the attached state, the four operation buttons 33 to 36 ofthe left controller 3 may be used to give a directional input (in otherwords, a directional instruction). Then, a user can make a directionalinput by using the analog stick 32 or can make a directional input byusing the operation buttons 33 to 36. A user is allowed to make adirectional input by using a preferred operation mechanism, therebyimproving the controllability. Note however that the instruction eachoperation button is assigned can be freely determined by the programexecuted on the main unit 2.

In the present embodiment, the arrangement of the analog stick and thefour operation buttons (i.e., A, B, X and Y buttons) is reversed betweenthe left controller 3 and the right controller 4. That is, in theattached state, the analog stick 32 is arranged above the four operationbuttons 33 to 36 on the left controller 3, whereas the four operationbuttons 53 to 56 are arranged above the analog stick 52 on the rightcontroller 4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 33, when the informationprocessing device 1 is held with the left hand and the right hand at thesame height (in other words, at the same position with respect to theup-down direction), it will be easier for one hand to operate the analogstick and for the other hand to operate the four operation buttons. Thatis, in the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an informationprocessing device, with which it is easy to operate an analog stick andfour operation buttons.

Note that controllers of different configurations (e.g., configurationshaving different functions, configurations where operation sections arearranged differently, etc.) from the present embodiment may be providedas the left controller and/or the right controller (see “[5-1. Othertypes of controllers]), the details of which will be described later.Then, it is possible to provide an information processing device thatcan be operated in a different fashion from the present embodiment(i.e., the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 33) byattaching the left controller and/or the right controller having adifferent configuration to the main unit 2, instead of the leftcontroller 3 and/or the right controller 4 of the present embodiment.

[3-2. Mode in which a Pair of Controllers are Used Detached]

As described above, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 can be used with the left and right controllers 3and 4 detached from the main unit 2 (referred to as the “detachedstate). Possible modes in which the information processing device 1 isused in the detached state include at least two modes, one in which asingle user uses two controllers 3 and 4, and another in which two userseach use one controller.

(Mode in which Single User Uses Two Controllers)

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a single user holding twocontrollers 3 and 4 to use the information processing device 1 in thedetached state. As shown in FIG. 34, in the detached state, a user canoperate one set of two controllers 3 and 4 by holding them respectivelyin the left hand and the right hand.

Note that in the present embodiment, it is possible to calculateinformation regarding the movement and/or the attitude of a controllerbased on the detection results of the acceleration sensor and/or theangular velocity sensor provided in the controller. Therefore, theinformation processing device 1 can accept, as an input, the operationof moving the controller. A user is allowed to not only perform anoperation on the operation sections (the operation buttons and theanalog stick) of the controller but also perform an operation of movingthe controller. That is, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1, being a portable device, can allow a user toperform an operation of moving the controller (without moving thedisplay). Also, the information processing device 1, being a portabledevice, can allow a user to perform an operation away from the display12.

Note that the information processing device 1 can calculate informationregarding movement and/or attitude of the information processing device1 based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor 89 and/orthe angular velocity sensor 90 provided in the main unit 2 not only inthe detached state but also in the attached state.

In the detached state, the main unit 2 and the controllers 3 and 4communicate with each other using wireless communication. That is, themain unit 2 receives operation data from the controllers 3 and 4 withwhich a wireless connection has been established (i.e., which have beenpaired with the main unit 2), and executes an information process basedon the received operation data (specifically, using the operation dataas an input).

In the present embodiment, for wireless communication, the main unit 2distinguishes between multiple controllers which it is in communicationwith. For example, the main unit 2 identifies whether the receivedoperation data is from the left controller 3 or from the rightcontroller 4. The method for distinguishing between controllers will bedescribed later.

(Mode in which Two Users Each Use One Controller)

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of two users each holding onecontroller to use the information processing device 1 in the detachedstate. As shown in FIG. 35, in the detached state, two users can eachperform operations by providing inputs via the controller they areholding in their respective hands. Specifically, one user (referred toas the “first user”) can perform an operation by using and operating theleft controller 3 while the other user (referred to as the “seconduser”) can perform an operation by using and operating the rightcontroller 4. For example, the information processing device 1 executesan information process of controlling the action of a first object(e.g., the player character) in a virtual space based on an operationperformed on the left controller 3, and controlling the action of asecond object in the virtual space based on an operation performed onthe right controller 4. Note that as in the mode shown in FIG. 34, alsoin the mode shown in FIG. 35, a user can operate the operation sectionsprovided on the controller and/or perform an operation of moving thecontroller itself.

In the present embodiment, the positional relationship between theanalog stick 52 and the operation buttons 53 to 56 on the rightcontroller 4 is opposite from the positional relationship between thesetwo types of operation sections on the left controller 3. Therefore, iftwo users hold the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 in thesame orientation, as shown in FIG. 35, for example, the positionalrelationship between the two types of operation sections on one of thetwo controllers will be the same as that on the other controller. Thatis, in the present embodiment, users can use the left controller 3 andthe right controller 4 detached from the main unit 2 in the same fashionwith respect to the two types of operation sections. Thus, it ispossible to improve the controllability of the controller.

In the detached state, the four operation buttons 33 to 36 of the leftcontroller 3 may be used for the same function as the four operationbuttons 53 to 56 of the right controller 4 (in other words, they may beused for giving the same instructions). Specifically, the rightdirection button 33 may be used for the same function as the Y button56, the lower direction button 34 for the same function as the X button55, the upper direction button 35 for the same function as the B button54, and the left direction button 36 for the same function as the Abutton 53. Thus, in the present embodiment, the function of theoperation buttons 33 to 36 may vary between the attached state and thedetached state. Note however that the instruction each operation buttonis assigned can be freely determined by the program executed on the mainunit 2.

Note that in FIG. 35, the information processing device 1 divides thedisplay area of the display 12 into two display areas to display animage for the first user (e.g., an image including the first object) inone of the display areas and an image for the second user (e.g., animage including the second object) in the other display area. Notehowever that depending on the application running on the informationprocessing device 1, the information processing device 1 may display animage for two users (e.g., an image including both the first object andthe second object) without dividing the display area of the display 12.

As in the mode shown in FIG. 34, also in the mode shown in FIG. 35, themain unit 2 and the controllers 3 and 4 communicate with each other inwireless communication. Then, the main unit 2 distinguishes betweencontrollers each being a communication partner.

(Other Modes)

In the present embodiment, the right controller 4 includes the infraredimage-capturing section 123. Therefore, with the right controller 4detached from the main unit 2, the information processing device 1 mayexecute an information process based on the image-capturing results(referred to also as detection results) from the infraredimage-capturing section 123. Examples of the information process includethe following processes.

For example, when an attachment including an operation section(hereinafter referred to as an “extension controller”) is attached tothe right controller 4, the main unit 2 can detect an operationperformed on the operation section based on the image-capturing resultsfrom the infrared image-capturing section 123. Therefore, the main unit2 can execute an information process in accordance with an operationperformed on the operation section by using the image-capturing results.

Specifically, the extension controller can be attached to and detachedfrom the right controller 4, and include buttons and a movable operationsection such as a stick, for example. The extension controller includes,inside the housing, a movable portion that moves (herein, the movementincludes rotation) in response to an operation performed on an operationsection. For example, the movable portion is a member configured to movein response to a button, which is an operation section, being presseddown. Here, the extension controller is attached to the right controller4 so that the infrared image-capturing section 123 can capture an imageof the movable portion inside the housing. For example, the housing ofthe extension controller is provided with a window portion, and theinfrared image-capturing section 123 can capture an image of the movableportion via the window portion, with the extension controller attachedto the right controller 4. Then, the main unit 2 can identify anoperation performed on an operation section of the extension controllerbased on the position and/or the attitude of the movable portion in theimage captured by the infrared image-capturing section 123. Thus, byusing captured images, the main unit 2 may execute an informationprocess in response to an operation performed on the operation section.

The main unit 2 may detect a gesture input by using a hand of a userbased on the image-capturing results from the infrared image-capturingsection 123 so as to execute an information process in accordance withthe gesture input. For example, a user holds the right controller 4 inone hand, and an image is captured of the other hand of the user usingthe infrared camera of the infrared image-capturing section 123. Notethat in the present embodiment, the infrared camera is arranged so as tocapture an image of an area under the right controller 4. Therefore, auser makes a gesture input by placing the other hand under the rightcontroller 4. The main unit 2 obtains information based on theimage-capturing results from the right controller 4 so as to identify agesture input made by a user. Then, the main unit 2 executes aninformation process based on the gesture input.

A gesture input may be any input made by using an operation object to beoperated (moved) by a user. An operation object may be a body of a user(which may be a part of the body, such as a hand or the face, or may bethe whole body), may be an object held by a user, or may include both.The information processing device 1 may recognize the shape of theoperation object as a gesture input, may recognize the position, theorientation and/or the movement of the operation object as a gestureinput, or may recognize a combination thereof as a gesture input. Forexample, a user can make a gesture input by using the shape of a hand,the movement of a hand, the position of a hand (with respect to theright controller 4), the orientation (attitude) of a hand, etc.

In addition to (or instead of) identifying a gesture input, the infraredimage-capturing section 123 may be used to calculate the position and/orthe orientation of the right controller 4 with respect to apredetermined marker. For example, a user may place a marker at anintended position (e.g., around the display 12 or around the TV 6), andperform an operation of moving the right controller 4 within such arange that the infrared camera can capture an image of the marker. Notethat the marker may be made of a material that reflects infrared light,for example. Then, the information processing device 1 can calculate theposition and/or the orientation of the right controller 4 with respectto the marker based on the image-capturing results from the infraredimage-capturing section 123. Moreover, the information processing device1 can execute an information process by using the calculated informationas a user's operation input.

The main unit 2 can also capture an image of a hand of a user(specifically, the vein pattern of the hand) by means of the infraredimage-capturing section 123, to thereby authenticate (specifically, byvein authentication) a user based on the captured image. Moreover, themain unit 2 can also measure the pulse of a user by capturing an imageof a hand of the user by means of the infrared image-capturing section123. That is, where infrared light output onto and reflected by a handof a user is detected by the infrared image-capturing section 123, themain unit 2 can calculate the pulse of the user based on changes in thereflected waves.

Note that the above description has been directed to an example wherethe infrared image-capturing section 123 is used when the rightcontroller 4 is detached from the main unit 2. Now, the informationprocessing device 1 can also execute an information process based on theimage-capturing results from the infrared image-capturing section 123with the right controller 4 attached to the main unit 2.

In the present embodiment, the main unit 2 is provided with inputsections (specifically, the touch panel 13, the acceleration sensor 89,the angular velocity sensor 90, etc.). Therefore, a user can use onlythe main unit 2 with the controllers 3 and 4 detached therefrom. Then, auser can use the information processing device 1 while the weightthereof is reduced.

In the present embodiment, the information processing device 1 may beused with one of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4detached from the main unit 2 and with the other controller attached tothe main unit 2. Then, the main unit 2 may communicate with the firstcontroller in wireless communication and communicate with the secondcontroller in wired communication.

Note that when controllers are removed from the main unit 2, a user canhold one controller with both hands (see for example FIG. 35), or a usercan hold one controller in one hand (see for example FIG. 34). While auser can hold a controller in one hand in any manner, a user can hold acontroller in such a manner that the operation sections provided on theprimary surface (in other words, on the front surface, i.e., the surfaceon the front side) of the controller can be operated using the thumb, asshown in FIG. 34, for example. For example, as shown in FIG. 33,controllers can be held in such a manner that operation sectionsprovided on the primary surface of the controllers are operated usingthe thumb while operation sections provided on the side surface of thecontrollers (e.g., the first L button 38, the ZL button 39, the first Rbutton 60 and the ZR button 61) are operated using the index fingerand/or the middle finger. Note that while FIG. 33 shows controllersattached to the main unit 2, it is understood that the controllers canbe held in the same manner as FIG. 33 even when the controllers areremoved from the main unit 2.

Moreover, when a user holds a controller in one hand, the controller canbe held in such a manner that operation sections provided on the sidesurface of the controller are operated using the thumb. FIG. 36 is adiagram showing an example of how the right controller 4 is held in onehand. As shown in FIG. 36, a user can hold the right controller 4 byholding the housing 51 in the palm in such a manner that the first Rbutton 60 and the ZR button 61 can be operated using the thumb. That is,it can be said that the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61 areprovided at such positions that they can be operated using the thumbwhen the housing 51 is held in the palm of the user. In such a manner, auser can use the controller as if it were the control stick of anairplane, for example.

In the present embodiment, the first R button 60 and the ZR button 61are arranged at different positions from each other with respect to thefront-rear direction (in other words, the direction perpendicular to theprimary surface, i.e., the z-axis direction). In other words, the firstR button 60 and the ZR button 61 are shifted from each other in thefront-rear direction. This allows a user to operate these two buttonswhile easily distinguishing them from each other.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the first R button 60 is providedon the side surface of the right controller 4, and the ZR button 61 isprovided in an area extending over the side surface and the reversesurface of the right controller 4. The length of the ZR button 61 in thefront-rear direction is greater than that of the first R button 60.Thus, in the present embodiment, the ZR button 61, which is arranged ata position slightly shifted from the side surface of the rightcontroller 4, is so shaped that a user can easily press the ZR button 61when the right controller 4 is held as shown in FIG. 36.

While FIG. 36 shows an example in which the right controller 4 is held,this similarly applies also to the left controller 3, and the leftcontroller 3 can be held in such a manner that the operation sectionsprovided on the side surface of the left controller 3 (i.e., the first Lbutton 38 and the ZL button 39) are operated using the thumb.

When a user holds the controller in one hand as shown in FIG. 36, theuser can operate another controller using the other hand. Then, thecontroller can be held in the other hand in the same manner as shown inFIG. 36 or in another manner.

Note that with the manner of holding shown in FIG. 36, the operationsections (e.g., the second L button 65 and the second R button 66),which are provided on a side surface different from the side surfacewhere the operation sections operated using the thumb are provided, canbe operated using fingers other than the thumb (e.g., the index finger,the middle finger and the ring finger). With the manner of holding shownin FIG. 36, a user can also perform an operation of moving thecontroller and/or an operation using a gesture input. With theseoperations, combined with operations using the thumb, somewhatcomplicated operations can be performed with the manner of holding shownin FIG. 36.

[3-3. Mode in which Three or More Controllers are Used]

As described above, in the present embodiment, the main unit 2 cancommunicate with a plurality of left controllers. The main unit 2 canalso communicate with a plurality of right controllers. Therefore, inthe present embodiment, three or more controllers can be usedsimultaneously.

FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b) are diagrams showing example modes of use wherethree or more controllers are used. FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b) show cases inwhich a total of four controllers, i.e., two left controllers 3 a and 3b and two right controllers 4 a and 4 b, are used. Note that it isassumed here that the controllers are detached from the main unit 2.When four controllers are used, one can possibly conceive at least amode in which four users each use one controller (FIG. 37(a)), and amode in which two users each use two controllers (specifically, a pairof left and right controllers) (FIG. 37(b)).

(Mode in which Each User Uses One Controller)

In FIG. 37(a), each user uses one of the four controllers 3 a, 3 b, 4 aand 4 b. That is, in the present embodiment, where four controllers areprovided, four users, User A to User D, are allowed to performoperations each using a respective controller. For example, based on anoperation performed on a controller, the information processing device 1executes an information process of controlling the action of an objectassociated with that controller. Note that also in the modes of useshown in FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b), as in the modes of use shown in FIG. 34and FIG. 35, each user is enabled to perform an operation on anoperation section provided on the controller and/or to perform anoperation of moving the controller itself.

In FIG. 37(a), the main unit 2 communicates, in wireless communication,with each of the four controllers 3 a, 3 b, 4 a and 4 b. In the presentembodiment, the main unit 2 distinguishes the four controllers 3 a, 3 b,4 a and 4 b from one another. That is, the main unit 2 identifies fromwhich of the four controllers the operation data has been received. Notethat in the case of FIG. 37(a), the main unit 2 distinguishes betweenthe left controller 3 a and the left controller 3 b, and distinguishesbetween the right controller 4 a and the right controller 4 b. Note thatthe method for distinguishing each controller will be described later.

(Mode in which Each User Uses a Pair of Controllers)

In FIG. 37(b), each user uses a pair of controllers from the fourcontrollers 3 a, 3 b, 4 a and 4 b. That is, User A uses a pair of theleft controller 3 a and the right controller 4 a, and User B uses a pairof the left controller 3 b and the right controller 4 b. Thus, in thepresent embodiment, where four controllers are provided, two users caneach operate a pair of controllers (which can also be referred to as aset of controllers).

The information processing device 1 executes an information processusing, as a set of data, two pieces of operation data received from apair of controllers. For example, based on operations performed on apair of controllers, the information processing device 1 executes aninformation process of controlling the action of an object associatedwith the pair of controllers. Specifically, the action of the firstobject is controlled based on operations performed on the leftcontroller 3 a and the right controller 4 a, and the action of thesecond object is controlled based on operations performed on the leftcontroller 3 b and the right controller 4 b.

Now, in the present embodiment, in the mode of use shown in FIG. 37(b),the main unit 2 registers each pair of a left controller and a rightcontroller used by a single user. The main unit 2 executes aninformation process by using operation data from the two controllersincluded in the registered pair as a set of data (e.g., as operationdata for controlling one control object).

While there is no particular limitation on the method for registering apair of controllers, a left controller and a right controller can beattached to the main unit 2 so as to register the controllers as a pair,in the present embodiment. That is, the main unit 2 registers, as a pairof controllers, a left controller and a right controller that areattached thereto at the same time. For example, when registering pairsof controllers shown in FIG. 37(b), a user first attaches the leftcontroller 3 a and the right controller 4 a to the main unit 2 anddetaches these two controllers, i.e., the left controller 3 a and theright controller 4 a from the main unit 2, after which the othercontrollers, i.e., the left controller 3 b and the right controller 4 b,are attached to the main unit 2. Then, a pair of the left controller 3 aand the right controller 4 a and a pair of the left controller 3 b andthe right controller 4 b can be registered with the main unit 2. Notethat the details of the pairing process will be described later.

Note that where three or more controllers are used, the informationprocessing system can be used in various other modes, other than themodes of use shown in FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b). For example, theinformation processing system can be used in a mode in which a user usesa pair of left and right controllers while another user uses onecontroller. For example, a user can use a controller or controllersattached to the main unit 2 while another user uses a controller orcontrollers detached from the main unit 2.

[3-4. Mode in which Image is Displayed on TV]

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the informationprocessing device 1 is attached to the cradle 5, the informationprocessing device 1 can output images (and sound) to the TV 6 via thecradle 5. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example mode of use in whichimages are displayed on a TV. As shown in FIG. 38, the informationprocessing system in the present embodiment can use the TV 6 as adisplay device (and a sound output device).

[3-4-1. Operation when Image is Displayed on TV]

FIGS. 39(a)-39(d) are diagrams showing an example operation flow inwhich images are displayed on a TV. The operation of switching from amode in which the information processing device 1 is used as a portabledevice to a mode in which it is used as a console device (i.e., usingthe TV 6 as a display device) will be described. Note that it is assumedhere that the cradle 5 is connected to the TV 6 in advance. It is alsoassumed that a charging device (not shown) (e.g., an AC adaptor) isconnected to the power terminal 134 of the cradle 5, and the cradle 5 isreceiving commercial power supply.

First, a user uses the information processing device 1 as a portabledevice, i.e., in a state in which it is not attached to the cradle ((1)shown in FIG. 39(a)). In this state, when switching to a mode in whichthe information processing device 1 is used as a console device, theuser attaches the information processing device 1 to the cradle 5 ((2)shown in FIG. 39(b)). Thus, the lower terminal 27 of the informationprocessing device 1 and the main body terminal 73 of the cradle 5 areconnected together. In this process, the information processing device 1with the controllers 3 and 4 attached thereto may be attached to thecradle 5, or the information processing device 1 with the controllers 3and 4 detached therefrom (i.e., the main unit 2) may be attached to thecradle 5.

Note that in the present embodiment, upon detecting the attachment ofthe information processing device 1 to the cradle 5, the informationprocessing device 1 turns off the display 12, the details of which willbe described later. Thus, in the present embodiment, the display 12 ofthe main unit 2 is not used when attached to the cradle 5. Note that inother embodiments, the main unit 2 may still display images on thedisplay 12 when attached to the cradle 5. In the present embodiment,upon detecting the detachment of the information processing device 1from the cradle 5, the information processing device 1 turns on thedisplay 12.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 can be attached to the cradle 5 either in thefront-facing orientation or in the back-facing orientation. This allowsa user to place the information processing device 1 in any orientation,thereby facilitating the attachment to the cradle 5.

Note that in other embodiments, the cradle 5 may be capable ofsupporting the information processing device 1 in the back-facingorientation (i.e., in an orientation in which the display 12 is hiddenfacing the second support 72) and not capable of supporting theinformation processing device 1 in the front-facing orientation (i.e.,in an orientation in which the display 12 is not hidden). In the presentembodiment, the display 12 is turned off when the information processingdevice 1 is placed in the cradle 5. Although turning off the display 12is the intended operation by the information processing device 1, a usermay possibly mistake the display 12 being turned off for a breakdown ora malfunction. This can be avoided by not allowing the informationprocessing device 1 to be placed in the cradle 5 in the front-facingorientation.

In the present embodiment, upon detecting the attachment of theinformation processing device 1 to the cradle 5, the cradle 5 startscharging the information processing device 1. That is, upon detectingthe attachment of the information processing device 1 to the cradle 5,the processing section 135 instructs the power control section 133 toperform an operation of supplying power from the power terminal 134 tothe main unit 2. As the power control section 133 starts this operation,the cradle 5 starts charging the main unit 2. That is, the battery 98 inthe main unit 2 is charged by the power supplied from the cradle 5 viathe lower terminal 27.

If a controller (specifically, the left controller 3 and/or the rightcontroller 4) is attached to the main unit 2 while the main unit 2 ischarged by the cradle 5, the main unit 2 charges the controller attachedthereto. That is, in such a case, the power control section 97 of themain unit 2 supplies the power from the cradle 5 via the lower terminal27 to the controller via a terminal corresponding to the controllerattached to the main unit 2 (specifically, the left-side terminal 17and/or the right-side terminal 21). Thus, the controller is charged.That is, when the left controller 3 is charged, the battery of the powersupply section 108 is charged by the power supplied via the terminal 42.When the right controller 4 is charged, the battery of the power supplysection 118 is charged by the power supplied via the terminal 64.

Note that in other embodiments, the cradle 5 may charge the main unit 2under a predetermined condition. For example, the power control section133 of the cradle 5 may perform charging on the condition that theremaining charge of the battery 98 of the main unit 2 attached to thecradle 5 is less than or equal to a predetermined level. Similarly, themain unit 2 may charge a controller under a predetermined condition. Forexample, the power control section 97 of the main unit 2 may performcharging on the condition that the remaining charge of the battery of acontroller attached to the main unit 2 is less than or equal to apredetermined level.

The above operation regarding charging may be executed even when thepower of the information processing device 1 is off. That is, even whenthe information processing device 1 is attached to the cradle 5 when thepower of the information processing device 1 is off, the cradle 5 maycharge the information processing device 1 (i.e., charge the main unit 2and/or controllers).

Moreover, in other embodiments, the main unit 2 may charge controllerswhen the main unit 2 is not attached to the cradle 5. This reduces thepossibility that a user can no longer play because the battery of thecontroller has run out even though the battery 98 of the main unit 2 isstill charged sufficiently. As described above, in the presentembodiment, the battery 98 of the main unit 2 has a greater chargingcapacity than the battery of a controller. Thus, it is possible tofurther reduce such a possibility described above.

When the information processing device 1 is attached to the cradle 5,under a predetermined condition, the information processing device 1outputs images (and sound) to the TV 6 and causes the TV 6 to output theimages (and the sound) ((3) shown in FIG. 39(c)). That is, theinformation processing device 1 transmits data of the images and thesound to be output to the cradle 5 under a predetermined condition. Notethat “the images and the sound to be output” in the present embodiment,refer to the images and the sound that are produced or obtained by aprogram (e.g., an OS program or an application program) running at apoint in time when the information processing device 1 is attached tothe cradle 5. For example, if a game application is running at such apoint in time, the information processing device 1 outputs, to thecradle 5, data of the images and the sound that are produced by the gameapplication. For example, if an application for obtaining andreproducing video images from the Internet is running at such a point intime, the information processing device 1 transmits, to the cradle 5,data of the images and sound that are obtained by the application.

Note that there is no particular limitation on the condition for imagesand sound to be output to be transmitted to the cradle 5 (referred to asthe “image output condition”), but the image output condition in thepresent embodiment is the satisfaction of Conditions 1 to 3 below.

Condition 1: the cradle 5 is connected to the TV 6.

Condition 2: the cradle 5 is receiving power supply.

Condition 3: the cradle 5 is an authorized product (or a genuineproduct) (in other words, the cradle 5 is a product that is authorizedby the manufacturer of the information processing device 1).

When these three conditions are satisfied, the information processingdevice 1 determines that the image output condition is satisfied. Inthis case, the information processing device 1 transmits, to the cradle5, images and sound to be output. Note that in other embodiments, theinformation processing device 1 may use, as the image output condition,one or two conditions of Conditions 1 to 3 above, or may use otherconditions, as the image output condition, in addition to (or insteadof) Conditions 1 to 3 above.

Upon receiving data of the images and the sound from the informationprocessing device 1, the cradle 5 transmits data of the images and thesound to the TV 6. Thus, “the images and the sound to be output” areoutput from the TV 6 ((3) shown in FIG. 39(c)). When the TV 6 is readyto output the images and the sound, a user is allowed to performoperations using controllers ((4) shown in FIG. 39(d)).

Note that when no image is displayed on the display 12 of theinformation processing device 1 (i.e., when the power is off, or when inthe sleep mode), no image is displayed on the TV 6 even if theinformation processing device 1 is attached to the cradle 5.

In the present embodiment, even if the image output condition is notsatisfied, the information processing device 1 turns off the imagedisplay on the display 12 while attached to the cradle 5. Note howeverthat in other embodiments, if the image output condition is notsatisfied, the information processing device 1 may resume the imagedisplay on the display 12.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the image display outputcan be switched from the display 12 to the TV 6 by attaching theinformation processing device 1 to the cradle 5 while images aredisplayed on the display 12 of the information processing device 1. Thatis, in the present embodiment, a user can easily (and seamlessly) switchthe image display output only by placing the information processingdevice 1 on the cradle 5.

Note that as described above, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 can be used in a mode of use in which the images aredisplayed on the display 12 and a mode of use in which the images aredisplayed on the TV 6. Now, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 changes its operation mode depending on these twomodes of use. That is, the information processing device 1 can operateat least in two different modes of the portable mode and the consolemode. In the portable mode, some of the functions of the informationprocessing device 1 are limited, the details of which will be describedlater. Note that the switching of the operation mode will be describedlater (see “[3-5. Changing operation mode]” and “[4-3. Mode settingprocess]”).

Note that in other embodiments, the information processing device 1 maybe allowed to communicate directly with the TV 6 (i.e., with no cradle 5interposed therebetween). Then, the information processing device 1 cantransmit images and/or sound directly to the TV 6. Note that there is noparticular limitation on the communication method used between theinformation processing device 1 and the TV 6, and it may be, forexample, wired communication using a cable (e.g., an HDMI cable) orwireless communication. If the information processing device 1communicates directly with the TV 6, the cradle 5 may be used for thepurpose of charging the information processing device 1, for example.Also in such a case, as in the case of the embodiment described above,the information processing device 1 may transmit the images and/or thesound to the TV 6 at least on the condition that the informationprocessing device 1 is attached to the cradle 5.

[3-4-2. Mode of Use in which Image is Displayed on TV]

When images and sound are output from the TV 6, a user can performoperations by using a controller or controllers ((4) shown in FIG. 39).In the case described above, since the main unit 2 is attached to thecradle 5, it is difficult to use the controllers 3 and 4 while thecontrollers 3 and 4 are attached to the main unit 2. Therefore, in thecase described above, a user may perform operations by using acontroller or controllers detached from the main unit 2. For example, auser detaches the left controller 3 and/or the right controller 4 fromthe main unit 2 as necessary, and performs operations. Now, in thepresent embodiment, the controllers 3 and 4 can be detached from themain unit 2 by sliding them upward against the main unit 2. Therefore, auser can conveniently detach the controllers 3 and 4 from the main unit2 while the main unit 2 remains attached to the cradle 5.

Note that if controllers other than the controllers 3 and 4 attached tothe main unit 2 can communicate with the main unit 2 in wirelesscommunication, such other controllers may be used.

If a controller detached from the main unit 2 is used in a mode of usein which images are displayed on the TV 6, the controller and the mainunit 2 communicate with each other in wireless communication.

The mode of use in which the TV 6 is used as a display device is similarto the modes of use described above in “[3-2. Mode in which a pair ofcontrollers are used detached]” and “[3-3. Mode in which three or morecontrollers are used]”, except that the TV 6 is used instead of thedisplay 12. That is, in the present embodiment, also in the case inwhich the TV 6 is used as a display device, as in the case in which thedisplay 12 is used, one user may perform operations using a pair ofcontrollers (see FIG. 38), or two users may perform operations eachusing one controller. When controllers other than the left controller 3and the right controller 4 are provided, three or more users may performoperations each using one controller, or two or more users may performoperations each using a pair of controllers.

[3-5. Changing Operation Mode]

As described above, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 can be used in a mode of use in which images aredisplayed on the display 12 and a mode of use in which images aredisplayed on the TV 6. In the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 changes its operation mode depending on these twomodes of use. That is, the information processing device 1 can operateat least in two different modes of the portable mode and the consolemode.

The portable mode is a mode in which the information processing device 1is used as a portable device. In the portable mode, images obtained orproduced by the information processing device 1 are displayed on thedisplay 12. Sound obtained or produced by the information processingdevice 1 is output from the speaker 88. In the portable mode, settingsof the information processing device 1 are changed as shown in (a) and(b) below.

(a) Setting for Limiting Processing Power of Main Unit 2

In the present embodiment, in the portable mode, the clock frequencyrange over which the CPU 81 is allowed to operate is limited. In thepresent embodiment, the clock frequency at which the CPU 81 is allowedto operate can be specified within a predetermined range by the programexecuted on the main unit 2. In the portable mode, the range over whicha clock frequency can be specified by the program is limited as comparedwith that in the console mode. For example, the range over which a clockfrequency can be specified in the console mode is X1 [Hz] or less,whereas it is limited to X2 (<X1) [Hz] in the portable mode. Note thatif the main unit 2 includes a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) in additionto a CPU, the range of processing power (i.e., clock frequency) may belimited for the CPU and/or for the GPU.

In the present embodiment, in the portable mode, the image renderingcapacity (which can also be referred to as the image generatingcapacity) is limited. Specifically, in the portable mode, the resolution(in other words, the number of pixels) of images generated by the mainunit 2 is lower than that in the console mode.

With the limitation (a) above, the amount of computation to be executedon the main unit 2 is limited in portable mode, and it is thereforepossible to reduce the heat generation and the power consumption of themain unit 2.

(b) Setting for Limiting Operation of Cooling Fan 96

In the present embodiment, in the portable mode, the operation of thecooling fan 96 is limited. Specifically, in the portable mode, therotations per minute (rpm) at which the cooling fan 96 is allowed tooperate (in other words, the fan speed) is limited to be lower than thehighest rpm at which the cooling fan 96 is allowed to operate in theconsole mode. For example, in the portable mode, the cooling fan 96 iscontrolled to operate at a predetermined rpm or less, which is lowerthan the maximum rpm.

With the limitation (b) above, it is possible to reduce the operationnoise of the cooling fan 96. In the portable mode, it is assumed that auser uses the main unit 2 close to the user. In view of this, in thepresent embodiment, since the operation noise of the cooling fan 96 canbe reduced in the portable mode, it is possible to reduce thepossibility that the user may feel the operation noise is too loud.

On the other hand, the console mode is a mode in which the informationprocessing device 1 is used as a console-type device. In the consolemode, images obtained or produced by the information processing device 1are displayed on the TV 6. The sound obtained or produced by theinformation processing device 1 is output from the speaker of the TV 6.In the console mode, the function suppressions in the portable mode arelifted. That is, in the console mode, the limitations (a) and (b)described above are lifted. Therefore, in the console mode, a programrunning on the information processing device 1 can make better use ofthe processing power of the CPU 81. The information processing device 1can display, on the TV 6, images of a higher resolution than in theportable mode. The information processing device 1 can be cooled by thecooling fan 96 more effectively than in the portable mode.

In the present embodiment, the switching between the portable mode andthe console mode is done as follows. That is, when the informationprocessing device 1 is attached to the cradle 5 and the image outputcondition described above is satisfied, the information processingdevice 1 switches the operation mode to the console mode. On the otherhand, when the information processing device 1 is detached from thecradle 5, the information processing device 1 switches the operationmode to the portable mode. Note that the switching of the operation modewill be described later (see FIG. 44).

Note that differences between settings in the portable mode and those inthe console mode are not limited to those described above. For example,in other embodiments, the information processing device 1 may imposeonly one of the limitations (a) and (b) described above in the portablemode. For example, in other embodiments, the information processingsystem may use different communication methods for the communicationwith external devices via a network (e.g., the Internet) (in otherwords, may switch between different communication methods) in theportable mode and in the console mode. For example, consider a case inwhich a predetermined network connection device is connected to thecradle 5, the predetermined network connection device having a functionof connecting to and communicating with the network. In such a case, inthe portable mode, the information processing device 1 may communicatewith the network using the network communication section 82. On theother hand, in the console mode, the information processing device 1 maycommunicate with the network via the cradle 5 and the network connectiondevice.

For example, in an application executed by the information processingdevice 1, settings in the application may be changed between theportable mode and the console mode. For example, in a game application,particulars of the game (e.g., the rules, the operation method, etc., ofthe game) may be changed between the portable mode and the console mode(see FIG. 45).

Note that the operation mode (the portable mode and the console mode) isof a different level from the ON mode and the sleep mode. That is, themain unit 2 may be either in the ON mode or in the sleep mode when theoperation mode is the portable mode. Or, the main unit 2 may be eitherin the ON mode or in the sleep mode when the operation mode is theconsole mode.

[4. Specific Example of Process of Information Processing System]

Next, some processes to be executed when the information processingsystem operates as described above will be described by way of morespecific examples.

[4-1. Registration Process]

As described above, in the present embodiment, the main unit 2 and thecontrollers 3 and 4 communicate with each other. Thus, the main unit 2executes a registration process for registering controllers so that themain unit 2 can identify controllers to communicate with the main unit2. Note that those controllers offered (specifically, sold) togetherwith the main unit 2 may be pre-registered with the main unit 2 at thetime of offering.

FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing an example flow of a registrationprocess executed on the main unit 2. In the present embodiment, theregistration process is executed in response to a controller beingattached to the main unit 2. That is, the main unit 2 detects theattachment of the left controller 3 or the right controller 4, andstarts executing the registration process shown in FIG. 40 in responseto detecting the attachment.

There is no particular limitation on the method for detecting acontroller being attached to the main unit 2. For example, the sensingmethod may be a method based on a signal state (e.g., a voltage state)at a predetermined pin included in the terminal of the main unit 2and/or controller. For example, the sensing method may be a method inwhich the subject device mechanically senses the connection of aterminal of another device thereto. The main unit 2 and a controller mayboth have the sensing function described above, or either one of themmay have the sensing function. When only one of the devices has thesensing function, that device may indicate, to the other device, thatthe connection has been sensed, as necessary.

Note that the processes of the steps of the flow chart shown in FIG. 40(this similarly applies to the flow charts in FIG. 43 to FIG. 47 to bediscussed later) are merely illustrative, and the order of steps may beswitched around as long as similar results are obtained, and otherprocesses may be executed in addition to (or instead of) the process ofany step. While the present embodiment is described assuming that theprocesses of the steps of the flow chart are executed by the CPU 81 ofthe main unit 2, processes of some of the steps of the flow chart may beexecuted by a processor or a dedicated circuit other than the CPU 81.Some of the processes executed by the main unit 2 may be executed byanother information processing device capable of communicating with themain unit 2 (e.g., a server capable of communicating with the main unit2 via a network). That is, the processes shown in FIG. 40, FIG. 43 toFIG. 47 may be executed through a cooperation of a plurality ofinformation processing devices including the main unit 2.

In the registration process shown in FIG. 40, first, in step S1, the CPU81 determines whether or not the controller sensed to have been attachedto the main unit 2 has been registered. Now, in the present embodiment,the main unit 2 stores, in a storage section thereof (e.g., the flashmemory 84), registration information representing controllers that havebeen registered. The determination of step S1 is based on thisregistration information.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example registration information. In thepresent embodiment, the registration information is information in whichnumber information, identification information and wirelesscommunication information are associated together, as shown in FIG. 41.The number information is a number assigned to a registered controller.The indicator LED described above on the controller may be controlled torepresent a value based on this number.

The identification information is information representing a value(e.g., an ID) that is uniquely assigned to a controller. With thisidentification information, it is possible to uniquely identify acontroller. In the present embodiment, identification informationincludes information representing whether a controller is a leftcontroller or a right controller. That is, the main unit 2 can determinewhether a controller is a left controller or a right controller based onthe identification information assigned to the controller. Note that inother embodiments, the identification information does not need toinclude information representing whether a controller is a leftcontroller or a right controller. In such a case, the registrationinformation may include information representing whether a controller isa left controller or a right controller (separately from theidentification information). Note that the CPU 81 can determine whethera controller is a left controller or a right controller based on whetherthe identification information of the controller has been obtainedthrough the left-side terminal 17 or through the right-side terminal 21.

The wireless communication information indicates whether or not theconnection setting (i.e., pairing) of the device for wirelesscommunication with the main unit 2 has been done. That is, if thepairing between the main unit 2 and the controller has been done,information representing “registered” is stored as the wirelesscommunication information of the controller. On the other hand, if thepairing between the main unit 2 and the controller has not been done,information representing “unregistered” is stored as the wirelesscommunication information of the controller. Note that the main unit 2may store information regarding the connection setting for wirelesscommunication (separately from the registration information) so as toeliminate the need to perform pairing again for a controller for whichpairing has been done.

Note that a part of the registration information may be deleted orchanged in response to an instruction from a user. For example, the mainunit 2 may delete information regarding a specified controller or changea number assigned to the controller, in response to an instruction froma user.

Referring back to FIG. 40, in step S1 described above, the CPU 81 firstobtains identification information from a controller sensed to have beenattached. Note that it is assumed that a memory of a controller (e.g.,the memories 102 and 112) stores, in advance, identification informationassigned to the controller. A controller transmits the identificationinformation thereof to the main unit 2 in response to the controllerbeing connected to the main unit 2 or in response to a request from theCPU 81. The CPU 81 determines whether or not a controller sensed to havebeen attached has been registered based on whether or not the obtainedidentification information is included in the registration information.If the determination result of step S1 is negative, the process of stepS2 is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result of stepS1 is affirmative, the process of step S3 is executed, skipping theprocess of step S2.

In step S2, the CPU 81 registers a controller sensed to have beenattached. That is, the CPU 81 updates the registration informationstored in the storage section so that the number information, theidentification information and the wireless communication information ofthe controller are associated together and added to the registrationinformation. The number information may be, for example, informationrepresenting a number that has not been used for any other registeredcontroller. The identification information may be identificationinformation obtained from the controller in step S1 described above. Thewireless communication information is set to “unregistered” sincepairing has not been done at this point in time. Following step S2, theprocess of step S3 is executed.

In step S3, the CPU 81 determines whether or not both a left controllerand a right controller are attached to the main unit 2. That is, it isdetermined whether or not the attachment of the left controller 3 andthe right controller 4 to the main unit 2 can be sensed at the presentpoint in time. If the determination result of step S3 is affirmative,the process of step S4 is executed. On the other hand, if thedetermination result of step S3 is negative, the CPU 81 ends theregistration process, skipping the process of step S4.

In step S4, the CPU 81 registers the left controller 3 and the rightcontroller 4 attached to the main unit 2 as a pair. Now, in the presentembodiment, the main unit 2 stores pairing information representing apair of a left controller and a right controller in the storage section(e.g., the flash memory 84).

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of pairing information. In thepresent embodiment, as shown in FIG. 42, the pairing information isinformation in which left identification information and rightidentification information are associated together. The leftidentification information is identification information of a leftcontroller registered as a pair, from among registered controllers (inother words, controllers represented by identification informationincluded in the registration information). The right identificationinformation is identification information of a right controllerregistered as a pair, from among registered controllers (in other words,controllers represented by identification information included in theregistration information). Left identification information and rightidentification information that are associated together in the pairinginformation represent a pair of a left controller and a rightcontroller.

In step S4 described above, the CPU 81 first obtains identificationinformation of the left controller and the right controller attached tothe main unit 2. Note that for a controller whose identificationinformation has been obtained in step S1 described above, theidentification information does not need to be obtained again. Next, theCPU 81 adds, to the pairing information, the obtained identificationinformation of the left controller and that of the right controller,while they are associated together. That is, the CPU 81 updates pairinginformation so as to add the pair of two identification informationobtained to the pairing information (strictly speaking, unupdatedpairing information). Then, the updated pairing information is stored inthe storage section. Note that if information representing the pair oftwo identification information is already included in the pairinginformation, the CPU 81 does not need to update the pairing information.If information representing a pair including one of the twoidentification information is already included in the pairinginformation, the CPU 81 deletes such a pair from the pairinginformation. Thus, any pair including one of two controllers that areincluded in a pair to be registered is unregistered (i.e., deleted fromthe pairing information). After step S4, the CPU 81 ends theregistration process.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in response to acontroller being attached to the main unit 2, the controller isregistered with the main unit 2. Thus, a user can easily registercontrollers. In the present embodiment, since the registration processis executed when the main unit 2 and the controllers communicate witheach other in wired communication, it is possible to reduce thepossibility that the main unit 2 cannot obtain information(specifically, identification information) from controllers, and toreduce the possibility that registration fails.

In the present embodiment, in response to a left controller and a rightcontroller being both attached to the main unit 2, these two controllersare registered as a pair. A user can attach any two controllers that theuser wishes to use as a pair to the main unit 2, and the user cantherefore register a pair through an easy and straightforward operation.

Note that in the present embodiment, an accessory (see FIG. 52) may beprovided to which a left controller and a right controller can beattached at the same time, the details of which will be described later.Then, when a left controller and a right controller are both attached tothe accessory, the main unit 2 registers these two controllers as apair, as when a left controller and a right controller are both attachedto the main unit 2. The details of such a pairing process will bedescribed in “[5-2. Accessory for controllers]” below.

Note that the main unit 2 may register, as a pair, two controllersattached to the main unit 2 at the same time as in the embodimentdescribed above, or may register, as a pair, two controllers that arenot attached to the main unit 2 at the same time, unlike in theembodiment described above. For example, the main unit 2 may register,as a pair, a left controller last attached thereto and a rightcontroller last attached thereto.

Note that in other embodiments, any other pairing method may be used forregistering pairs of controllers. For example, the main unit 2 mayregister, as a pair, two controllers on which a predetermined operationis performed within a predetermined period of time. Specifically, themain unit 2 prompts a user to perform a predetermined operation inresponse to satisfaction of a predetermined condition (e.g., a pairinginstruction has been received from a user). Then, the main unit 2registers, as a pair, two controllers on which the predeterminedoperation is performed within a predetermined period of time from theprompting, from among two or more controllers being in communicationwith the main unit 2. Note that the “predetermined operation” may be,for example, an operation of pressing A button, or may be an operationof bumping two controllers against each other (this operation can bedetermined, for example, based on detection results of an accelerationsensor).

[4-2. Wireless Setting Process]

As described above, in the present embodiment, the main unit 2 and thecontrollers 3 and 4 may communicate with each other in wirelesscommunication. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 performs a registration (referred to also aspairing) for enabling wireless communication between the main unit 2 andthe controllers. Note that those controllers offered (specifically,sold) together with the main unit 2 may be pre-registered with the mainunit 2 for wireless communication at the time of offering.

In the present embodiment, the main unit 2 executes a wireless settingprocess for enabling wireless communication with controllers. FIG. 43 isa flow chart showing an example flow of a wireless setting processexecuted on the main unit 2. In the present embodiment, the wirelesssetting process is executed in response to a controller being removedfrom the main unit 2. That is, the main unit 2 senses the removal of theleft controller 3 or the right controller 4, and starts executing thewireless setting process shown in FIG. 43 in response to the removal(referred to as “detachment”). Note that although there is no particularlimitation on the method for sensing the detachment of a controller fromthe main unit 2, a similar method to the method for sensing theattachment of a controller to the main unit 2 may be used, for example.

In the wireless setting process, first, in step S11, the CPU 81determines whether or not the controller sensed to have been detachedfrom the main unit 2 has been paired for wireless communication. Thisdetermination can be done by using the registration informationdescribed above. That is, if wireless communication information includedin the registration information indicates “registered” for thecontroller sensed to have been detached, the CPU 81 determines that thecontroller has been paired for wireless communication. On the otherhand, if wireless communication information included in the registrationinformation indicates “unregistered” for the controller sensed to havebeen detached, the CPU 81 determines that the controller has not beenpaired for wireless communication. If the determination result of stepS11 is negative, the process of step S12 is executed. On the other hand,if the determination result of step S11 is affirmative, the CPU 81 endsthe wireless setting process, skipping the process of step S12.

In step S12, the CPU 81 executes a pairing process for enabling wirelesscommunication with a controller sensed to have been detached. Thepairing process in the present embodiment may be similar to a pairingprocess of a conventional communication technique in accordance with theBluetooth (registered trademark) standard. Note that in the presentembodiment, a controller executes the pairing process in response tobeing removed from the main unit 2, the details of which will bedescribed later. Thus, the main unit 2 and the controller are pairedtogether, establishing a wireless connection therebetween. Followingstep S12, step S13 is executed.

In step S13, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the pairing with thecontroller sensed to have been detached has succeeded. Note that theprocess of step S13 is executed after lapse of a predetermined period oftime from the execution of step S12. If the determination result of stepS13 is affirmative, the process of step S14 is executed. On the otherhand, if the determination result of step S13 is negative, the CPU 81ends the wireless setting process, skipping the process of step S14.

In step S14, the CPU 81 updates the registration information. That is,the CPU 81 changes the wireless communication information included inthe registration information to “registered” for the controller sensedto have been detached. Following step S14, the CPU 81 ends the wirelesssetting process.

In the present embodiment, for the wireless setting process, thecontrollers 3 and 4 execute a similar process (referred to as a“controller-side wireless setting process”) to that of the main unit 2.Specifically, a controller stores registration information in a storagesection (e.g., the memories 102 and/or 112), wherein identificationinformation of the main unit to which the controller is attached andwireless communication information indicating that whether or not thecontroller has been paired with the main unit are associated together inthe registration information. A controller (specifically, thecommunication control section 101 or 111) determines whether or not ithas been paired with the main unit 2 in response to the removal from themain unit 2. If it has not been paired, the controller executes thepairing process. Moreover, the controller determines whether or not thepairing has succeeded, and updates the registration information if thepairing has succeeded. Thus, in the present embodiment, when acontroller is removed from the main unit 2, the main unit 2 and thecontroller each perform the pairing process, and a wireless connectionis established upon successful pairing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in response to theremoval of a controller from the main unit 2, a setting process forwireless communication between the main unit 2 and the controller isexecuted to establish a wireless connection. In the present embodiment,a controller communicates in wired communication while it is attached tothe main unit 2, and in wireless communication while it is removed fromthe main unit 2. Therefore, by executing the setting process when thecontroller is removed from the main unit 2, it is possible to establisha wireless connection with appropriate timing. Note that in the presentembodiment, since a controller is registered when the controller isattached to the main unit 2 for the first time, the setting process isexecuted when the controller is removed from the main unit 2 for thefirst time. Then, it is possible to reduce the possibility that “thewireless connection is not established when a registered controller isremoved from the main unit 2”, thus providing the information processingdevice 1 that is easy to use for a user. Moreover, according to thepresent embodiment, a user can easily cause the information processingdevice 1 to execute the setting process described above by removing acontroller from the main unit 2.

Note that the condition on which the setting process for wirelesscommunication is executed on the information processing device 1 may beany condition, and it not limited to the removal of a controller fromthe main unit 2. For example, in other embodiments, the setting processmay be executed in response to a controller being attached to the mainunit 2. For example, in other embodiments, the setting process may beexecuted in response to an instruction from a user. Specifically, themain unit 2 may execute the wireless setting process (FIG. 43) inresponse to a predetermined instruction from a user. The predeterminedinstruction may be given by a user selecting a predetermined itemdisplayed on a menu screen, or may be given by a user pressing apredetermined button provided on the main unit 2. Moreover, in responseto a predetermined instruction from a user, a controller may execute the“controller-side wireless setting process” described above. Thispredetermined instruction may be given by pressing down a predeterminedbutton provided on the controller.

In the present embodiment, when a controller is removed from the mainunit 2, the main unit 2 and the controller each determine whether or notthe controller and the main unit 2 have been paired together, so thatthe pairing process is executed if they have not been paired together.In other embodiments, the main unit 2 and the controller may execute thepairing process, upon removal of the controller from the main unit 2,without performing the determination process.

(Operation on Controller)

In the present embodiment, if a controller is attached to the main unit2, the controller regards the main unit 2 as its communication partner.That is, the controller transmits operation data in wired communicationto the main unit 2, to which the controller is attached. On the otherhand, if a controller is not attached to the main unit 2 but thecontroller has been paired with another main unit 2, the controllerregards the other main unit 2 as its communication partner. That is, thecontroller transmits operation data in wireless communication to theother main unit 2, with which the controller has been paired. Thus, inthe present embodiment, the controller transmits operation data to themain unit 2, irrespective of whether it is attached to the main unit 2.Note that in the present embodiment, if a controller has been pairedwith a plurality of main units 2, the controller regards one main unitthat satisfies a predetermined condition as its communication partner.Although there is no particular limitation on the predeterminedcondition, it may be, for example, “being the main unit with which thecontroller has last been paired”. Note that if a controller is notattached to the main unit 2 and there is no main unit 2 with which thecontroller has been paired, the controller does not transmit operationdata.

If a controller is able to communicate with a main unit 2, thecontroller repeatedly transmits operation data to the main unit 2, asits communication partner, at a rate of once per a predetermined periodof time. If there is no main unit 2 with which a controller is able tocommunicate (i.e., when the main unit 2 as its communication partner hasbeen turned OFF or set in the sleep mode), the controller stopstransmitting operation data to a main unit 2. If there is newly a mainunit 2 with which a controller is able to communicate (i.e., when themain unit 2 as its communication partner has been turned ON or set inthe ON mode), the controller resumes transmitting operation data to themain unit 2.

[4-3. Mode Setting Process]

As described above, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 operates in the portable mode and in the consolemode. Therefore, the information processing device 1 executes a process(referred to as the “mode setting process”) of switching the operationmode between the portable mode and the console mode.

FIG. 44 is a flow chart showing an example flow of a mode settingprocess executed on the main unit 2. In the present embodiment, whilethe power of the main unit 2 is ON, a series of processes of steps S21to S29 shown in FIG. 44 is executed repeatedly. Note that in the presentembodiment, it is assumed that at the start of the process (i.e., whenthe power is turned ON), the operation mode of the main unit 2 is set tothe portable mode.

In the mode setting process, first, in step S21, the CPU 81 determineswhether or not the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5. Note thatthere is no particular limitation on the method for sensing theattachment of the main unit 2 to the cradle 5. For example, the CPU 81may perform the sensing based on a signal state (e.g., a voltage state)at a predetermined pin included in the terminal of the main unit 2and/or the cradle 5. If the determination result of step S21 isaffirmative, the process of step S22 is executed. On the other hand, ifthe determination result of step S21 is negative, the process of stepS21 is executed again. That is, while the operation mode is the portablemode and the main unit 2 is not attached to the cradle 5, the CPU 81repeatedly executes the process of step S21. The process of step S21 isexecuted at a rate of once per a predetermined period of time, forexample.

In step S22, the CPU 81 turns off the display 12. Specifically, the CPU81 stops supplying power to the display 12. The CPU 81 also stopsoutputting image data to the display 12. Following step S22, the processof step S23 is executed.

As described above, the main unit 2 turns OFF the display 12 at a pointwhen the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5. Note that in otherembodiments, the main unit 2 may turn OFF the display 12 at a point whenthe image is output from the main unit 2 to the TV 6, rather thanturning OFF the display 12 (i.e., the display 12 is left ON) at thepoint when the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5. In otherembodiments, the main unit 2 may not turn OFF the display 12 even whenthe image is output from the main unit 2 to the TV 6 so that the imageis displayed both on the display 12 and on the TV 6. Then, the cradle 5may be configured so that the display 12 can be viewed while the mainunit 2 is attached to the cradle 5. The main unit 2 may generate twodifferent images so that different images are displayed on the TV 6 andon the display 12.

In step S23, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the image outputcondition is satisfied. That is, the CPU 81 determines whether or notConditions 1 to 3 described above are satisfied. Note that Conditions 1to 3 can be determined based on information obtained from the cradle 5.Specifically, for “Condition 1: the cradle 5 is connected to the TV 6”,the CPU 81 may obtain information from the cradle 5 that indicateswhether or not the cradle 5 is connected to the TV 6, and make thedetermination based on the obtained information. For “Condition 2: thecradle 5 is receiving power supply”, the CPU 81 may obtain informationfrom the cradle 5 that indicates whether or not power is supplied fromthe power terminal 134 to the cradle 5, and make the determination basedon the obtained information. For “Condition 3: the cradle 5 is anauthorized product”, the CPU 81 may obtain predetermined informationwith which it is possible to identify an authorized product, and makethe determination based on the obtained information. Note that thepredetermined information may for example be identification informationassigned to the cradle or information that shows predetermined contentif the product is an authorized product (in other words, informationthat shows different content if the product is not an authorizedproduct). The CPU 81 obtains the information at a predetermined timingfrom the cradle 5, and determines whether or not the image outputcondition is satisfied based on the obtained information. There is noparticular limitation on the predetermined timing, but it may be, forexample, when the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5 or when stepS23 is executed.

If the determination result of step S23 is affirmative, the process ofstep S25 to be described later is executed. On the other hand, if thedetermination result of step S23 is negative, the process of step S24 isexecuted. Note that in this case, no image will be displayed on the TV 6even though a user has attached the information processing device 1 tothe cradle 5. Therefore, the information processing device 1 mayindicate to the user that no image will be displayed on the TV 6. Forexample, the information processing device 1 may indicate by outputtingsound from the speaker 88 or by displaying an image on the display 12.For example, if the cradle 5 includes an indicator light-emittingportion (e.g., an LED provided on the sleep button 74), the informationprocessing device 1 may indicate by controlling the light-emittingportion. If an indicator light-emitting portion is provided on thecradle 5, the information processing device 1 may control thelight-emitting portion so as to indicate whether the operation mode isthe portable mode or the console mode.

In step S24, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the main unit 2 hasbeen removed from the cradle 5. If the determination result of step S24is affirmative, the process of step S29 to be described later isexecuted. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S24 isnegative, the process of step S23 described above is executed again.That is, while the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5 and the imageoutput condition is not satisfied, the CPU 81 repeatedly executes aseries of processes of steps S23 and S24. The series of processes isrepeatedly executed at a rate of once per a predetermined period oftime.

In step S25, the CPU 81 outputs images to the TV 6. That is, the CPU 81outputs data of “the images and the sound to be output” to the cradle 5via the lower terminal 27. The cradle 5 transfers the data to the TV 6.That is, the format of the data is converted through the conversionsection 131 of the cradle 5, and the data is output to the TV 6 via themonitor terminal 132. Thus, the images and the sound are output from theTV 6. After the process of step S25, the CPU 81 repeatedly executes theprocess of outputting the images to the TV 6. This process is continueduntil the information processing device 1 ends the image display (e.g.,the power of the information processing device 1 is turned OFF, or theinformation processing device 1 is set in the sleep mode), or until theoperation mode is changed to the portable mode. Following step S25, theprocess of step S26 is executed.

In step S26, the CPU 81 changes the operation mode to the console mode.That is, the CPU 81 changes the settings of the main unit 2 so as tolift the functional limitations of the main unit 2 in the portable modeas described in “[3-5. Changing operation mode]” above. Following stepS26, the process of step S27 is executed.

In step S27, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the main unit 2 hasbeen removed from the cradle 5. If the determination result of step S27is affirmative, the process of step S28 is executed. On the other hand,if the determination result of step S27 is negative, the process of stepS27 is executed again. That is, while the operation mode is the consolemode, the CPU 81 repeatedly executes the process of step S27. Theprocess of step S27 is executed at a rate of once per a predeterminedperiod of time, for example.

In step S28, the CPU 81 changes the operation mode to the portable mode.That is, the CPU 81 changes the settings of the main unit 2 so as toimpose functional limitations on the main unit 2 as described in “[3-5.Changing operation mode]” above. The CPU 81 also stops the image outputto the TV 6. Following step S28, the process of step S29 is executed.

In step S29, the CPU 81 outputs images to the display 12. That is, theCPU 81 displays the “images to be output” on the display 12. The CPU 81also outputs the “sound to be output” from the speaker 88 (or the soundinput/output terminal 25). After the process of step S29, the CPU 81repeatedly executes the process of outputting images to the display 12.Following step S29, the process of step S21 is executed again.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 can switch between the portable mode, in whichimages are displayed on the display 12, and the console mode, in whichimages are displayed on the TV 6. Now, the condition for changing theoperation mode to the console mode (in other words, the image outputcondition) may be any condition. For example, the condition may be asfollows.

In other embodiments, the image output condition may include a conditionthat “there has been a user instruction to output images to the TV 6”.For example, the cradle 5 may include an output instruction button forgiving an instruction to output the images obtained or produced by theinformation processing device 1 to the TV 6. Then, the informationprocessing device 1 may use, as one of the image output conditions, acondition that “the output instruction button has been pressed while theinformation processing device 1 is attached to the cradle 5”.

In other embodiments, the image output condition may include a conditionthat “the TV 6 is capable of displaying the images from the cradle 5”.Specifically, this condition is that the power of the TV 6 is ON and theinput select setting thereof is such that input images from the cradle 5are displayed. By using image output conditions including the conditiondescribed above, it is possible to avoid a situation in which no imageis displayed on the TV 6 even though images are output from theinformation processing device 1 via the cradle 5.

In addition, the information processing device 1 may further perform acontrol, over the TV 6, to turn ON the power of the TV 6, and/or toswitch the input select so as to display an input from the cradle 5.Then, a user does not need to operate the TV 6 so as to satisfy thecondition described above (i.e., that the TV 6 is able to display theimages from the cradle 5), and it is possible to easily display theimage on the TV 6. Note that the information processing device 1 canperform a control as described above by causing the cradle 5 to transmita control signal (e.g., a CEC command of the HDMI standard) to the TV 6.

The information processing device 1 may change the image outputcondition in response to an instruction from a user. For example, theinformation processing device 1 may present a plurality of differentconditions, as the image output conditions, on a predetermined settingchanging screen, and allow a user to select one of the conditions. Thisis convenient for a user because the user can choose a condition thatsuits the user's way of using the device.

For example, when the cradle 5 is provided with an output instructionbutton as described above, information processing system may use aswitching-type button as the output instruction button so as to allow auser to change the condition. That is, a first state and a second statecan be switched from one to another by pressing the output instructionbutton of the cradle 5. Then, if the output instruction button is in thefirst state, the information processing device 1 interprets this to meanthat there is a user instruction to output the images on the TV 6,whereas if the output instruction button is in the second state, theinformation processing device 1 interprets this to mean that there is nouser instruction to output the images on the TV 6. Thus, a user cancause the images to be output on the TV 6 (under a certain condition) inresponse to the attachment of the main unit 2 to the cradle, by leavingthe output instruction button in the first state.

In the description above, it can be said that based on thepresence/absence of the user instruction described above, theinformation processing device 1 determines whether a user has attachedthe information processing device 1 to the cradle 5 merely for charging,or has attached the information processing device 1 to the cradle 5 todisplay the images on the TV 6. Now, in other embodiments, theinformation processing device 1 may make the determination above by anyother method.

For example, the information processing device 1 may make thedetermination described above based on the state of the informationprocessing device 1 regarding the execution of an application. Now, “thestate of the information processing device 1 regarding the execution ofan application” is, for example, a state regarding whether anapplication is running on the information processing device 1 or a stateregarding whether the images produced or obtained by a runningapplication are displayed on the display 12. Specifically, if anapplication is running or if the images produced or obtained by arunning application are displayed on the display 12, the informationprocessing device 1 may determine that a user has attached theinformation processing device 1 to the cradle 5 in order to display theimages on the TV 6. Therefore, in such a case, the informationprocessing device 1 may output the images to the TV 6 on the conditionthat the image output condition is satisfied. That is, the images outputcondition may include a condition that “an application is running or theimage produced or obtained by a running application are displayed on thedisplay 12”.

In other embodiments, the information processing device 1 may store, ina storage section (e.g., the flash memory 84), the operation mode at thepoint in time when the power of the information processing device 1 isturned OFF. Then, when the power of the information processing device 1is turned ON, if the operation mode stored in the storage sectionindicates the portable mode, the information processing device 1 mayexecute the mode setting process from step S21, whereas if the operationmode stored in the storage section indicates the console mode, theinformation processing device 1 may execute the mode setting processfrom step S27. Thus, the operation mode of the information processingdevice 1 at the time of power-off can be carried on when the power isnext turned ON.

[4-4. Example of Executing Information Process Depending on OperationMode]

As described above, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 operates one of operation modes including theportable mode and the console mode. Therefore, in the informationprocessing device 1, information processes executed by various programsexecuted on the main unit 2 (e.g., the OS program and applicationprograms) may be of different content between the portable mode and theconsole mode. An example information process, in which a differentprocess is executed depending on the operation mode, will now bedescribed.

FIG. 45 is a flow chart showing an example flow of an informationprocess executed on the main unit 2. A series of information processesshown in FIG. 45 is performed as the CPU 81 executes a program (e.g., anapplication program or an OS program) that is executable by theinformation processing device 1, for example. For example, if a programto be executed is an application program, the series of informationprocesses shown in FIG. 45 is started in response to a user instructionto launch the application program. For example, if a program to beexecuted is an OS program, the series of information processes shown inFIG. 45 is started in response to the power of the main unit 2 beingturned ON.

In the series of information processes shown in FIG. 45, first, in stepS31, the CPU 81 obtains operation data from each controller. Forexample, the CPU 81 may obtain operation data from any controller withwhich the CPU 81 can communicate whether in wired communication orwireless communication. Note that the main unit 2 may obtain operationdata with substantially the same frequency from controllers it iscommunicating in wired communication and from controllers it iscommunicating in wireless communication. Then, since there is nodifference between controllers depending on their communication method,it is possible to improve the controllability of controllers. Followingstep S31 described above, the process of step S32 is executed.

Depending on the program related to the series of information processes,the CPU 81 may obtain operation data from controllers that satisfy apredetermined condition and not obtain operation data from controllersthat do not satisfy the condition. For example, the predeterminedcondition may be a communication-related condition. That is, the CPU 81may obtain operation data from controllers that communicate with themain unit 2 in wired communication and not obtain operation data fromcontrollers that communicate with the main unit 2 in wirelesscommunication. For example, the predetermined condition may be acondition regarding the function of a controller. That is, the CPU 81may obtain operation data from controllers having a predeterminedfunction (e.g., controllers having an analog stick, controllers havingthe NFC communication function, controllers having an accelerationsensor, etc.) and not obtain operation data from controllers not havingthese predetermined functions. If there is a controller that is capableof communication but that does not obtain operation data, the main unit2 may indicate to the user that the controller is not available for useon the running program.

Note that in other embodiments, instead of the CPU 81 not obtainingoperation data from controllers that do not satisfy a predeterminedcondition, the CPU 81 may not use the operation data obtained from thecontrollers that do not satisfy the predetermined condition in theprocess or step S33 or S34 to be described later.

In step S32, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the operation mode ofthe information processing device 1 is the portable mode (i.e., whetherit is the portable mode or the console mode). The information processingdevice 1 has information indicating the current operation mode stored ina predetermined storage section (e.g., the flash memory 84). Thedetermination of step S32 is made based on this information. If thedetermination result of step S32 is affirmative (i.e., if the operationmode is the portable mode), the process of step S33 is executed. On theother hand, if the determination result of step S32 is negative (i.e.,if the operation mode is the console mode), the process of step S34 isexecuted again.

In step S33, the CPU 81 executes an information process based onoperation data in accordance with settings in the portable mode. Asdescribed above, in the portable mode, the processing power of the mainunit 2 is limited. That is, the CPU 81 executes the information processunder such a limitation. For example, the CPU 81 executes apredetermined process (e.g., a game process) using, as an input, theoperation data obtained in step S31, and produces images representingthe process results, which are displayed on the display 12. Followingstep S33, the process of step S35 to be described later is executed.

On the other hand, in step S34, the CPU 81 executes an informationprocess based on operation data in accordance with settings in theconsole mode. As described above, in the console mode, the limitation onthe processing power of the main unit 2 is lifted. For example, the CPU81 may execute a predetermined process (e.g., a game process) using, asan input, the operation data obtained in step S31, and produces imagesrepresenting the process results, which are displayed on the TV 6.Following step S33, the process of step S35 to be described later isexecuted.

Depending on the program related to the series of information processes,the CPU 81 may use different content of the predetermined process to beexecuted in steps S33 and S34 described above depending on the operationmode. For example, if the program is a game program (i.e., if a gameapplication is executed), the information processing device 1 may usedifferent game content depending on the operation mode. Specifically,levels that can be played may differ between the portable mode and theconsole mode, and there may be levels that can only be played in theportable mode or there may be levels that can only be played in theconsole mode. Also, the game mode may differ in the portable mode and inthe console mode.

For example, if the screen display settings can be changed, theinformation processing device 1 may use different screen displaysettings for each operation mode. Note that the “screen displaysettings” refer, for example, to those settings that are directed to thesize of icons on the menu screen and various information to be displayedtogether with images representing the game space (e.g., imagesrepresenting the status of the player character, the map image, etc.).Therefore, in the portable mode, for example, since the images aredisplayed on the display 12 whose screen size is assumed to be small,graphical symbols such as icons are displayed to be larger with respectto the displayed images (in other words, the display screen), whereas inthe console mode, since the images are displayed on the TV 6 whosescreen size is assumed to be large, those graphical symbols may bedisplayed to be smaller with respect to the displayed images.

In step S35, the CPU 81 determines whether or not to end the series ofinformation processes shown in FIG. 45. This determination is made basedon whether or not there has been a user instruction to end, for example.If the determination result of step S35 is negative, the process of stepS31 is executed again. Thereafter, the series of processes of steps S31to S35 is repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S35 thatthe series of information processes is to be ended. On the other hand,if the determination result of step S35 is affirmative, the CPU 81 endsthe series of information processes shown in FIG. 45.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 may be configured so that the OS or an applicationmay execute a different process depending on the operation mode. Then,for example, it is possible to give the user a different kind ofentertainment (e.g., a different game level or a different game mode)for each operation mode. For example, it is possible to save the troublefor the user to change settings by automatically changing settings(e.g., the screen display settings) depending on the operation mode.

[4-5. Example of Executing Information Process Depending on AttachedState of Controller]

As described above, in the present embodiment, the informationprocessing device 1 can be used both in a state in which a controller isremoved from the main unit 2 and a state in which they are attached tothe main unit 2. Therefore, the information processing device 1 may beconfigured so that the content of information processes to be executedby various programs executed on the main unit 2 (e.g., the OS programand application programs) may be different from each other depending onthe attached state of a controller to the main unit 2 (i.e., whether thecontroller is attached to or removed from the main unit 2). Examples ofinformation processes depending on the attached state of a controllerwill now be described below.

FIG. 46 is a flow chart showing an example flow of an informationprocess executed on the main unit 2. As is the series of processes shownin FIG. 45, the series of information processes shown in FIG. 46 isexecuted by an application program or an OS program executable on theinformation processing device 1, for example. As is the series ofprocesses shown in FIG. 45, the series of information processes shown inFIG. 46 is also started in response to a user instruction to launch anapplication program or in response to the power of the main unit 2 beingturned ON.

In the series of information processes shown in FIG. 46, first, in stepS41, the CPU 81 determines whether or not a controller is attached tothe main unit 2. In the present embodiment, the CPU 81 determineswhether or not a controller is attached to the main unit 2 for each ofthe left and right controllers 3 and 4. If it is determined that atleast one of the left and right controllers 3 and 4 is attached to themain unit 2, the determination result of step S41 is affirmative. If theleft and right controllers 3 and 4 are both removed from the main unit2, the determination result of step S41 is negative. If thedetermination result of step S41 is affirmative, the process of step S42is executed. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S41is negative, the process of step S43 to be described later is executed.

In step S42, the CPU 81 obtains operation data from a controllerattached to the main unit 2 via a wired connection. That is, the CPU 81obtains operation data received via the left-side terminal 17 and theright-side terminal 21. Note that when only one of the left and rightcontrollers 3 and 4 is attached, the CPU 81 obtains operation data onlyfrom the terminal corresponding to that controller. Note that theobtained operation data is stored in a predetermined storage section(e.g., the DRAM 85). Following step S42, the process of step S43 isexecuted.

In step S43, the CPU 81 obtains operation data from a controller removedfrom the main unit 2 via a wireless connection. That is, the CPU 81obtains operation data received via the controller communication section83. Note that if there are no controllers that are capable of wirelesscommunication (in other words, controllers that are transmittingoperation data to the main unit 2) at the point of step S43, the CPU 81may skip the process of step S43 since no operation data is received bythe controller communication section 83. Following step S43, the processof step S44 is executed.

In step S44, the CPU 81 executes a predetermined information processbased on the operation data obtained in steps S42 and S43. Note thatthere is no particular limitation on the content of the informationprocess. For example, if the running program is an OS program, the CPU81 may move a cursor across the menu screen based on the operation data,or identify an application selected by a user based on the operationdata to launch the identified application. If the running program is anapplication program, the CPU 81 may execute a process according to theapplication by using the operation data as an input to the application.Following step S44, the process of step S45 is executed.

In step S45, the CPU 81 outputs an image representing the result of theinformation process of step S44 to a display device (the display 12 orthe TV 6). For example, if the running program is an OS program, themenu screen described above is displayed on the display device. Forexample, if the running program is an application program, an image ofthe application (e.g., a game image in the game application) isdisplayed on the display device. Following step S45, the process of stepS46 is executed.

In step S46, the CPU 81 determines whether or not to end the series ofinformation processes shown in FIG. 46. This determination is made basedon whether or not there has been a user instruction to end, for example.If the determination result of step S46 is negative, the process of stepS41 executed again. Thereafter, the series of processes of steps S41 toS46 is repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S46 that theseries of information processes is to be ended. On the other hand, ifthe determination result of step S46 is affirmative, the CPU 81 ends theseries of information processes shown in FIG. 46.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the main unit 2 variesthe content of the process to be executed depending on the attachedstate of the controller. That is, if no controller is attached to themain unit 2, the main unit 2 skips the process of obtaining operationdata via wired communication. Thus, it is possible to simplify theprocess to be executed on the main unit 2.

Note that in the series of processes shown in FIG. 46, the main unit 2executes the process of obtaining operation data via wirelesscommunication (step S43), irrespective of the attached state of thecontroller. Now, depending on the application executed on the main unit2, if the determination result of step S41 is affirmative (i.e., if acontroller is attached to the main unit 2), the process of step S43 doesnot need to be executed. That is, depending on the running application,if a controller is attached, the main unit 2 may receive operation dataonly from the controller attached thereto while not accepting operationdata from the other, un-attached controller (via wirelesscommunication).

FIG. 47 is a flow chart showing an example flow of an informationprocess executed on the main unit 2. As is the series of processes shownin FIG. 45, the series of information processes shown in FIG. 47 isexecuted by an application program or an OS program executable on theinformation processing device 1, for example. As is the series ofprocesses shown in FIG. 45, the series of information processes shown inFIG. 47 is also started in response to a user instruction to launch anapplication program or in response to the power of the main unit 2 beingturned ON.

In the series of information processes shown in FIG. 47, first, in stepSM, the CPU 81 determines whether or not whether or not a controller isattached to the main unit 2. In the present embodiment, the CPU 81determines whether the left and right controllers 3 and 4 are bothattached to the main unit 2 or at least one of the left and rightcontrollers 3 and 4 is removed from the main unit 2. Note however thatin other embodiments, the CPU 81 may determine whether at least one ofthe left and right controllers 3 and 4 is attached to the main unit 2 orthe left and right controllers 3 and 4 are both removed from the mainunit 2. If the determination result of step SM is affirmative, theprocess of step S52 is executed. On the other hand, if the determinationresult of step SM is negative, the process of step S54 is executed.

In step S52, the CPU 81 sets the control mode of the information processto the single-player control mode. That is, if step S52 is executed,since a controller is attached to the main unit 2, it is assumed that asingle user performs operations by using the attached controller. Thesingle-player control mode is a mode in which there is one controlobject, for example. For example, in the game program, the CPU 81 startsa game in which there is one player character. In an application inwhich operations are performed by using a cursor displayed on thescreen, the CPU 81 displays a cursor. Following step S52, the process ofstep S53 is executed.

In step S53, the CPU 81 executes a predetermined process in thesingle-player control mode. That is, the CPU 81 obtains operation datafrom the left and right controllers 3 and 4, and executes apredetermined process based on the operation data. Note that there is noparticular limitation on the content of the predetermined process. Now,in the single-player control mode, one control object (e.g., one playercharacter or one cursor) is controlled based on operation data obtainedfrom two controllers 3 and 4. Note that in step S53, the predeterminedprocess described above is repeatedly executed. When a condition forending the predetermined process is satisfied (e.g., when there is auser instruction to end the application), the CPU 81 ends the process ofstep S53, thereby ending the series of information processes shown inFIG. 47.

On the other hand, in step S54, the CPU 81 sets the control mode of theinformation process to the two-player control mode. That is, if step S54is executed, it means that (at least one) controller is removed from themain unit 2, and it is therefore assumed that a total of two users areperforming operations, wherein one user uses the removed controllerwhile the other user uses the other controller. The two-player controlmode is a mode in which there are two control objects, for example. Forexample, in the game program, the CPU 81 starts a game in which thereare two player characters. In an application in which operations areperformed by using a cursor displayed on the screen, the CPU 81 displaystwo cursors. Following step S54, the process of step S55 is executed.

In step S55, the CPU 81 executes a predetermined process in thetwo-player control mode. That is, the CPU 81 obtains operation data fromthe left and right controllers 3 and 4, and executes a predeterminedprocess based on the operation data. Note that there is no particularlimitation on the content of the predetermined process. In thetwo-player control mode, a first control object (e.g., one playercharacter or one cursor) is controlled based on operation data obtainedfrom the left controller 3, and a second control object, different fromthe first control object, is controlled based on operation data obtainedfrom the right controller 4. Note that in step S55, as in step S53, thepredetermined process is repeatedly executed. When a condition forending the predetermined process is satisfied (e.g., when there is auser instruction to end the application), the CPU 81 ends the process ofstep S55, thereby ending the series of information processes shown inFIG. 47.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when a program islaunched, the attached state of controllers is sensed, and a controlmode is set depending on the attached state (step S52, S54). Thus, anappropriate control mode is selected automatically without the userselecting the control mode, and it is therefore possible to save thetrouble for the user.

Note that in FIG. 47, the main unit 2 determines the attached state ofcontrollers at the start of the execution of a program (step SM). Now,in other embodiments, the main unit 2 may determine the attached stateof controllers at a predetermined timing during the execution of aprogram. Then, in response to the attached state of controllers beingchanged, the main unit 2 may change the control mode. Note that there isno particular limitation on the predetermined timing. For example, whena game application is executed, the main unit 2 may determine theattached state of controllers at the point in time when one play of thegame is complete, or may determine the attached state of controllers atthe point in time when a predetermined instruction is given by a user.

In FIG. 47, the main unit 2 changes the number of users to performoperations depending on the attached state of controllers. There is noparticular limitation on the content of the process to be changeddepending on the attached state of controllers. For example, in otherembodiments, the interpretation (specifically, the interpretation by themain unit 2) of an operation on a controller may be changed depending onthe attached state of controllers. Specifically, when the leftcontroller 3 is attached to the main unit 2, the CPU 81 may interpretthe operation of tilting the analog stick 32 in the upper direction(i.e., in the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1) as being an input of theupper direction. On the other hand, when the left controller 3 isremoved from the main unit 2, the CPU 81 may interpret the operation oftilting the analog stick 32 in the upper direction as being an input ofthe left direction (assuming that the controller is held in a landscapeposition as shown in FIG. 35).

Note that each of the three series of processes shown in FIG. 45 to FIG.47 may be executed in any phase on the main unit 2. That is, these threeseries of processes may each be executed in a different phase (i.e., inthe execution of a different program). Two or three of these series ofprocesses may be executed simultaneously (e.g., within a singleprogram). For example, the main unit 2 may execute a process thatcombines together processes of FIG. 46 and FIG. 47 when a certainapplication is executed. Specifically, in steps S53 and S55 shown inFIG. 47, the CPU 81 may execute the predetermined process describedabove based on operation data obtained from the processes of steps S41to S43 shown in FIG. 46.

[5. Other Devices Included in Information Processing System]

[5-1. Other Types of Controllers]

As described above, in the present embodiment, the controllers 3 and 4can be attached and detached to and from the main unit 2. Therefore,there may be provided a left controller different from the leftcontroller 3 shown in FIG. 5, and the other left controller may beattached to the main unit 2. Moreover, there may be provided a rightcontroller different from the right controller 4 shown in FIG. 6, andthe other right controller may be attached to the main unit 2. That is,in the present embodiment, controllers attached to the main unit 2 maybe detached therefrom and other controllers may be attached thereto.

FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 are diagrams each showing another example leftcontroller. A left controller 201 shown in FIG. 48, as compared with theleft controller 3 shown in FIG. 5, includes a cross-shaped key 202,instead of the operation buttons 33 to 36. A left controller 203 shownin FIG. 49, as compared with the left controller 3 shown in FIG. 5,includes a cross-shaped key 204, instead of the analog stick 32. Thus,another controller may have a different function from the controllers 3and 4 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. Thus, the information processingsystem may include other controllers having different functions from thecontrollers 3 and 4, in addition to (or instead of) the controllers 3and 4.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing an example information processing devicewith a right controller that is different from that of FIG. 1. In FIG.50, another right controller 205, instead of the right controller 4shown in FIG. 6, is attached to the main unit 2. On the right controller205, as compared with the right controller 4 shown in FIG. 6, thearrangement of the analog stick 52 and the four operation buttons 53 to56 is reversed. Thus, for an information processing device 1′ shown inFIG. 50, the arrangement of the analog stick and the four operationbuttons is symmetric between the left controller and the rightcontroller. That is, in the present embodiment, the arrangement of theoperation section on the information processing device 1 can be changedby changing the controller to be attached to the main unit 2. Thus, theinformation processing system may include other controllers havingdifferent arrangements from the controllers 3 and 4, in addition to (orinstead of) the controllers 3 and 4.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing another example left controller. A leftcontroller 340 shown in FIG. 51 is different from the left controller 3of the first configuration example and that of the second configurationexample in terms of the positions of the operation sections provided onthe slider 311 (specifically, the second L button 43 and the second Rbutton 44). Specifically, on the left controller 340, the second Lbutton 43 and the second R button 44 are asymmetrically disposed towardthe upper side (i.e., the y-axis positive direction side). According tothe first configuration example and the second configuration example,the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 are arrangedsubstantially in symmetry with respect to the center of the leftcontroller 3 in the up-down direction. On the other hand, on the leftcontroller 340, the second L button 43 is arranged on the upper side ofthe center of the left controller 340 in the up-down direction, and thesecond R button 44 is arranged on the lower side of the center. Thedistance from the center to the second L button 43 is longer than thedistance from the center to the second R button 44.

On the left controller 340, the operation sections provided on theprimary surface (specifically, the analog stick 32 and the operationbuttons 33 to 36) are also disposed toward the upper side (thissimilarly applies also to the left controller 3). Thus, when the leftcontroller 340, removed from the main unit 2, is held by both hands in alandscape position (see FIG. 35), a user operates the operation buttons33 to 36 arranged near the center of the left controller 340 (in theup-down direction) using the right hand, and the analog stick 32arranged near the upper end of the left controller 340 using the lefthand (see FIG. 35). That is, a user operates the operation sections ofthe left controller 340, which are disposed toward the upper side(disposed toward the left side as seen from the user). Therefore, if thesecond L button 43 and the second R button 44 are disposed toward theupper side, as are the operation section on the primary surface, asshown in FIG. 51, the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 canbe operated more easily. Thus, by arranging the second L button 43 andthe second R button 44 as they are on the left controller 340, it ispossible to improve the controllability when the controller is removedand used in a landscape position.

Note that although FIG. 51 shows the left controller 340 as an example,the second L button 65 and the second R button 66 of the rightcontroller may also be disposed toward the upper side, as with the leftcontroller 340.

As described above, in the present embodiment, there may be provideddifferent types of controllers having different functions and/orarrangements. Then, a user can use any of the different kinds ofcontrollers by attaching the controller to the main unit 2. Thus, it ispossible to provide a portable device with which it is possible tochange the controller device (i.e., the controller) in accordance with,for example, user preference or the content of the application to beexecuted on the information processing device 1.

[5-2. Accessory for Controllers]

The information processing device 1 may include an accessory configuredso that the controllers 3 and 4, having been removed from the main unit2, can be attached to the accessory. FIG. 52 is a diagram showing anexample accessory to which controllers can be attached. As shown in FIG.52, an extension grip 210, which is an example accessory, is anaccessory to be used by a user for performing operations. The extensiongrip 210 includes a housing 211. The left controller 3 can be attachedto the housing 211, and the right controller 4 can be attached thereto.Therefore, the extension grip 210 allows a user to perform operationswhile holding two controllers 3 and 4, having been removed from the mainunit 2, as an integral unit.

Note that as mechanisms for allowing controllers to be attached thereto,the extension grip 210 includes mechanisms similar to those of the mainunit 2 (specifically, the left rail member 15, the engagement hole 16,the stopper 18, the right rail member 19, the engagement hole 20 and thestopper 22). Thus, the controllers 3 and 4 can be attached to theextension grip 210, as they are attached to the main unit 2.

As shown in FIG. 52, the extension grip 210 includes grip portions to beheld by a user. Specifically, the extension grip 210 accommodates theleft controller 3 attached thereto on the left side of the center of theextension grip 210 in the left-right direction (the x-axis directionshown in FIG. 52). The extension grip 210 includes a left grip portion212 provided on the left side (in other words, on the outer side in theleft-right direction) of the area where the left controller 3 isattached. The extension grip 210 accommodates the right controller 4attached thereto on the right side of the extension grip 210 in theleft-right direction. The extension grip 210 includes a right gripportion 213 provided on the right side (in other words, on the outerside in the left-right direction) of the area where the right controller4 is attached. Therefore, by holding the grip portions 212 and 213, auser can easily operate the controllers 3 and 4 attached to theextension grip 210.

Although not shown in the figure, the extension grip 210 includes aleft-side terminal similar to the left-side terminal 17 of the main unit2 at such a location that allows the left-side terminal to be connectedto the terminal 42 of the left controller 3 attached to the extensiongrip 210. The extension grip 210 also includes a right-side terminalsimilar to the right-side terminal 21 of the main unit 2 at such alocation that allows the right-side terminal to be connected to theterminal 64 of the right controller 4 attached to the extension grip210. Therefore, when the controllers 3 and 4 are attached to theextension grip 210, the extension grip 210 and the controllers 3 and 4are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, when thecontrollers and the extension grip 210 are connected to each other, theycan communicate with each other and can supply power to each other.

Moreover, although not shown in the figure, the extension grip 210includes a power terminal similar to the power terminal 134 of thecradle 5. Therefore, by connecting to a charging device (not shown)(e.g., an AC adaptor) to the power terminal, the extension grip 210 canreceive power supply from the charging device via the power terminal.Then, the power supplied from the power terminal is supplied by theextension grip 210 to the left controller 3 and the right controller 4via the left-side terminal and the right-side terminal. Therefore, byconnecting the extension grip 210 to a charging device, it is possibleto charge the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached tothe extension grip 210.

As described above, the extension grip 210 has the function of chargingcontrollers attached thereto. That is, the extension grip 210 includes acharging control section (i.e., the power terminal, and the left-sideterminal or the right-side terminal), which uses power supplied to theextension grip 210 to charge controllers attached to the extension grip210. Then, controllers can be charged while being attached to theextension grip. This improves the usability of the controllers.

Note however that in other embodiments, the extension grip 210 does nothave the charging function. Then, the extension grip 210 does not needto include electronic members such as terminals. By using no electronicmembers, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the extensiongrip 210.

When the controllers 3 and 4 are attached to the extension grip 210, thecontrollers 3 and 4 and the main unit 2 communicate with each other inwireless communication (as when the controllers 3 and 4 are removed fromthe main unit 2). That is, even when attached to the extension grip 210,the controllers 3 and 4 can communicate with the main unit 2.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, a controller transmits, to themain unit 2, attachment information regarding its attachment to anotherdevice. For example, when a controller is attached to another device,the attachment information indicates the device (and/or the type of thedevice) to which the controller is attached, and when a controller isnot attached to another device, the attachment information indicatesthat the controller is not attached to another device. The attachmentinformation may be transmitted together with the operation data (orwhile being included in the operation data), for example.

Thus, when a controller senses the attachment of the controller to theextension grip 210, the controller transmits, to the main unit 2 viawireless communication, a notification indicating that the controllerhas been attached to the extension grip 210. Specifically, thecontroller transmits, to the main unit 2, the attachment informationindicating that the controller is attached to the extension grip 210.

Note that there is no particular limitation on the method for acontroller to identify the device to which the controller is attached.In the present embodiment, in response to a controller being attached toanother device, the controller obtains identification informationidentifying the other device from the other device (herein, theextension grip 210). The identification information is, for example,identification information assigned to each device (more specifically,identification information unique to the device). Note that in thepresent embodiment, the identification information includes informationindicating the type of the device so that it is possible to identify thetype of the device from the identification information. Based on theidentification information, a controller determines (or senses) that thedevice to which the controller has been attached is the extension grip210, i.e., that the device has been attached to the extension grip 210.Note that when a controller is removed from the extension grip 210, thecontroller transmits, to the main unit 2 via wireless communication, anotification indicating that the controller has been removed from theextension grip 210. That is, the controller transmits, to the main unit2, the attachment information indicating that the controller is notattached to another device.

Now, the main unit 2 may change the interpretation of operationsperformed on a controller depending on the device to which thecontroller is attached. That is, the main unit 2 may change the methodof identifying the content of input (in other words, the content of auser instruction) based on the operation data from a controllerdepending on the device to which the controller is attached. Forexample, in the example shown in FIG. 52, the left and right controllers3 and 4 are attached to the extension grip 210 while being slightlyinclined with respect to the up-down direction. Therefore, when theanalog stick is tilted in the directly upward direction with respect tothe extension grip 210 (the y-axis positive direction shown in FIG. 52),the tilt is not in the directly upward direction with respect to thecontroller. Therefore, when a controller is attached to the extensiongrip 210, the main unit 2 preferably changes the interpretation ofdirectional inputs on the analog stick, as compared with a case in whichthe controller is not attached to the extension grip 210 (e.g., when thecontroller is attached to the main unit 2). For example, the main unit 2may change the direction of tilt of the analog stick that is interpretedas being an input in the directly upward direction.

Thus, when a controller is attached to the extension grip 210, the mainunit 2 changes the interpretation of a directional input on the analogstick, as compared with a case in which the controller is attached tothe main unit 2. Specifically, when a controller is attached to theextension grip 210, the main unit 2 modifies the tilt direction of theanalog stick represented by the operation data by rotating the tiltdirection by a predetermined angle. Note that the predetermined angleis, for example, the angle of inclination of the controller attached tothe extension grip 210 with respect to the attitude of the controllerwhen attached to the main unit 2. The predetermined angle may be presetbased on the structure of the extension grip 210. The main unit 2 usesthe modified tilt direction as the direction input by a user. That is,the main unit 2 executes an information process using the modified tiltdirection as an input. Thus, when an analog stick is tilted in thedirectly upward direction with respect to the extension grip 210, theinput direction is regarded as being the directly upward direction, thusallowing an information process to be executed appropriately.

When a controller is attached to the extension grip 210, the main unit 2modifies the values of the detection results of the acceleration sensorand the angular velocity sensor of the controller. That is, the mainunit 2 modifies the detection result of the acceleration sensor byrotating the direction of acceleration (i.e., the detection result ofthe acceleration sensor) by the above predetermined angle in arotational direction about an axis extending in the front-rear directionof the controller (the z-axis direction shown in FIG. 1). The main unit2 modifies the detection result of the angular velocity sensor byrotating the axis of rotation of the angular velocity (i.e., thedetection result of the angular velocity sensor) by the abovepredetermined angle in a rotational direction about an axis extending inthe front-rear direction of the controller (the z-axis direction shownin FIG. 1). Then, the main unit 2 calculates the movement and/or theattitude of the controller (in other words, the extension grip 210)based on the modified values of the acceleration and/or the angularvelocity.

Note that the main unit 2 may calculate the movement and/or the attitudeof the controller without modifying the values of the detection resultsof the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor, and modifythe calculated movement and/or the calculated attitude. That is, whenthe main unit 2 calculates the movement based on the detection resultsof the acceleration sensor and/or the angular velocity sensor, the mainunit 2 modifies the calculated movement by rotating the calculatedmovement direction by the above predetermined angle in a rotationaldirection about an axis extending in the front-rear direction of thecontroller. When the main unit 2 calculates the attitude based on thedetection results of the acceleration sensor and/or the angular velocitysensor, the main unit 2 modifies the calculated attitude by rotating thecalculated attitude by a predetermined angle in a rotational directionabout an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the controller.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the left controller 3 isattached to the extension grip 210 while being inclined in the firstdirection from a predetermined reference attitude (i.e., the attitude inwhich the up-down direction of the left controller 3 coincides with theup-down direction of the extension grip 210; or the attitude when theleft controller 3 is attached to the main unit 2) (see FIG. 52). Theright controller 4 is attached to the extension grip 210 while beinginclined in a direction opposite to the first direction from apredetermined reference attitude (i.e., the attitude in which theup-down direction of the right controller 4 coincides with the up-downdirection of the extension grip 210). Thus, controllers can be attachedto the accessory with an easy-to-operate inclination.

In the present embodiment, when at least one of the left controller 3and the right controller 4 is attached to the extension grip 210, themain unit 2 executes a predetermined information process by modifyingthe operation data from the attached controller and/or informationobtained from the operation data. For example, the main unit 2 performsa modifying process for modifying the inclination of the controller withrespect to the predetermined reference attitude. More specifically, themain unit 2 performs a modifying process so that the result of theinformation process when a predetermined operation is performed on acontroller attached to the extension grip 210 is generally equal to thatwhen the predetermined operation is performed on the controller being inthe predetermined reference attitude. Thus, since a user can similarlyoperate a controller whether the controller is attached to an accessorywhile being inclined from the predetermined reference attitude or thecontroller is not attached to the accessory (or attached to the mainunit 2), thereby improving the controllability of a controller attachedto an accessory.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the main unit 2 modifies a part ofthe operation data representing an operation performed on a directionalinput section (i.e., an analog stick). Thus, the analog stick can beoperated in a similar fashion whether the controller is attached to theaccessory while being inclined from the predetermined reference attitudeor the controller is not attached to the accessory (or attached to themain unit 2).

In the present embodiment, also when the left and right controllers 3and 4 are both attached to the extension grip 210, as when the left andright controllers 3 and 4 are both attached to the main unit 2, thesetwo controllers are registered as a pair. Specifically, if one of theleft and right controllers has been attached to the extension grip 210,when an indication that the other controller is attached to theextension grip 210 is received, the main unit 2 registers these twocontrollers as a pair. Then, a user can register two controllers as apair by attaching them to the extension grip 210, as well as byattaching them to the main unit 2.

Note that in other embodiments, the extension grip 210 may include acommunication section capable of communicating with the main unit 2 inwireless communication. Then, the extension grip 210 may obtainoperation data from the controllers 3 and 4 attached to the extensiongrip 210, and transmit the obtained operation data to the main unit 2via the communication section.

Note that the main unit 2 may communicate with devices that cannot beattached to the main unit 2 (e.g., the extension grip 210) in wirelesscommunication, as well as communicating with controllers that can beattached to the main unit 2 in wireless communication. For example, themain unit 2 may receive via wireless communication operation data from acontroller device that cannot be attached to the main unit 2, andexecute an information process based on the operation data. Then,operations can be performed on the main unit 2 by using a wider varietyof controller devices.

The extension grip 210 may include an operation section (e.g., buttonsand an analog stick, etc.). Then, the extension grip 210 allows for awider variety of operations using controllers. Note that informationrepresenting an operation performed on the operation section may beobtained by a controller attached to the extension grip 210 (if thereare a plurality of controllers attached to the extension grip 210, oneof the controllers), and transmitted from the controller to the mainunit 2. Such information may be transmitted together with (or beingincluded in) operation data of the controller. If the extension grip 210includes a communication section capable of communicating with the mainunit 2 in wireless communication, information representing an operationperformed on the operation section may be transmitted directly from theextension grip 210 to the main unit 2 (i.e., without passing through acontroller).

Note that an accessory controller device such as the extension gripdescribed above may be configured without grip portions. Then, theaccessory controller device may be configured so that the housings ofthe controllers are used as grip portions. FIG. 53 is a diagram showinganother example accessory controller device. In FIG. 53, an attachment220 includes a housing 221 to which the left controller 3 and the rightcontroller 4 can be attached, as with the extension grip 210 shown inFIG. 52. Note that the attachment 220 has similar mechanisms to those ofthe extension grip 210 for allowing controllers to be attached thereto.

The attachment 220 shown in FIG. 53 includes no grip portion. Therefore,a user holds the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attachedto the attachment 220. This also enables the user to hold the twocontrollers 3 and 4 removed from the main unit 2 as an integral unit.

FIG. 54 is a six-sided view showing another example extension grip. FIG.55 is a perspective view showing an example of the extension grip shownin FIG. 54. As is the extension grip 210 shown in FIG. 52, an extensiongrip 350 shown in FIG. 54 is an extension device that allows thecontrollers 3 and 4, removed from the main unit 2, to be operated whilebeing attached thereto. Note that the extension grip 350 can be said tobe a supporting device for supporting controllers. Referring now to FIG.54 to FIG. 59, the extension grip 350 will be described, focusing onwhat was not discussed in conjunction with the extension grip 210.

(General Configuration of Extension Grip 350)

As shown in FIG. 54, the extension grip 350 includes a main section 351and a support section 352. The main section 351 includes a left gripportion 353 to be held by a user using the left hand, and a right gripportion 354 to be held by the user using the right hand. Therefore, themain section 351 can be said to be a holding portion. The main section351 includes a connection portion 355.

The connection portion 355 connects between the left grip portion 353and the right grip portion 354. The connection portion 355 is a memberextending in the horizontal direction (i.e., the x-axis direction shownin FIG. 54), for example, with the left grip portion 353 provided at theleft end portion of the connection portion 355 and the right gripportion 354 provided at the right end portion of the connection portion355. The left grip portion 353 has a shape extending in the up-downdirection (i.e., the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 54). As does theleft grip portion 353, the right grip portion 354 has a shape extendingin the up-down direction. Note that strictly speaking, the left gripportion 353 and the right grip portion 354 are slightly inclined fromthe up-down direction. Specifically, the left grip portion 353 and theright grip portion 354 each extend downward from the connection portion355 while gradually moving away from the connection portion 355. Byshaping the grip portions 353 and 354 as described above, a user cancomfortably hold the grip portions 353 and 354 and comfortably operatethe controllers 3 and 4 attached to the extension grip 350.

As shown in FIG. 55, the left grip portion 353 and the right gripportion 354 each extend downward from where they are connected to theconnection portion 355. The lower end (i.e., the end on the y-axisnegative direction side) of the connection portion 355 is located on theupper side of the lower end of the left grip portion 353 and the rightgrip portion 354. More specifically, the lower end of the connectionportion 355 is located on the upper side of the center of the gripportions 353 and 354 in the up-down direction. Then, a user can securelyhold the grip portions 353 and 354 while wrapping fingers around thegrip portions 353 and 354 beneath the connection portion 355. Therefore,it is possible to improve the controllability of the extension grip 350.

In the present embodiment, the main section 351 is formed by one housing(in other words, a housing formed as an integral unit). In the presentembodiment, the housing of the main section 351 is formed by a resin.Note that in other embodiments, the main section 351 may include aplurality of housings (e.g., one housing for each of the portions 353 to355) that are connected together.

The support section 352 is a member for supporting the controllers 3 and4. As shown in FIG. 54 and FIG. 55, the support section 352 is connectedto the main section 351 (specifically, the connection portion 355 of themain section 351). The support section 352 (in other words, the housingof the support section 352) has a generally rectangular parallelepipedouter shape, and the reverse surface (i.e., the surface on the z-axispositive direction side) thereof is connected to the front surface ofthe connection portion 355 (i.e., the surface on the z-axis negativedirection side). Note that in the present embodiment, the housing of thesupport section 352 is formed by a resin.

As described above, the extension grip 350 includes the main section 351and the support section 352 connected together. That is, in theextension grip 350, the housing of the main section 351 and the housingof the support section 352 are formed separately, and these housings areconnected together. Note that the support section 352 may be movablyconnected to the main section 351 (FIG. 58), the details of which willbe described later. In other embodiments, the main section 351 and thesupport section 352 may be formed as an integral unit. For example, themain section 351 and the support section 352 may be formed by a singlehousing.

As shown in the lower side view of FIG. 54 ((e) of FIG. 54) and FIG. 55,the lower end portion of the main section 351 and the lower end portionsof the grip portions 353 and 354 are provided at different positions inthe front-rear direction (i.e., the z-axis direction) in the presentembodiment. These lower end portions a provided at substantially thesame position in the up-down direction (i.e., the y-axis direction).Therefore, the extension grip 350 can stand by itself while the lowerend portion of the main section 351 and the lower end portions of thegrip portions 353 and 354 are in contact with the floor surface. Thus, auser can place the extension grip 350 (and the controllers attached tothe extension grip 350) upright, and can therefore place the extensiongrip 350 without taking up a large space.

As shown in the back view of FIG. 54 ((f) of FIG. 54), a hole 355 a isformed in the connection portion 355 of the main section 351. The hole355 a is formed for a thread, such as a strap, or the like, to passtherethrough. There is no particular limitation on the position of thehole 355 a. In the present embodiment, it is formed at a position on theback side (i.e., the z-axis positive direction side) of the supportsection 352.

(Elements Regarding Attachment of Controller)

Next, elements allowing controllers to be attached to the extension grip350 will be described. The extension grip 350 can allow the leftcontroller 3 and the right controller 4 of the second configurationexample described above to be attached thereto at the same time.Specifically, the extension grip 350 includes a left rail member 356 anda right rail member 357.

As shown in the left side view of FIG. 54 ((b) of FIG. 54), the leftrail member 356 is provided so as to extend in the up-down direction(i.e., the y-axis direction) on the left side surface (i.e., the surfaceon the x-axis positive direction side) of the support section 352. As amechanism for the attachment of the left controller 3, the left railmember 356 includes the same mechanism as the left rail member 300 ofthe main unit 2 of the second configuration example described above.That is, the left rail member 356 includes the same components as thebottom surface portion 301, the side surface portion 302, the topsurface portion 303 and the facing portion 304 of the left rail member300 of the main unit 2. Therefore, the left rail member 356 can slidablyengage with the slider 311 of the left controller 3. With the facingportion of the left rail member 356, it is possible to limit the slidemovement of the slider 311 of the left controller 3. Therefore, a usercan attach the left controller 3 to the extension grip 350 in a similarmanner to that when the left controller 3 is attached to the main unit2.

As with the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2, the left railmember 356 includes a stop-receiving portion (in other words, thecut-out portion C1 shown in FIG. 9), and when the left controller 3 isattached to the extension grip 350, the stop member 319 of the slider311 of the left controller 3 engages with the stop-receiving portion ofthe left rail member 356. That is, the stop member 319 resists the slidemovement of the slider 311 in the removal direction. Thus, the leftcontroller 3 can be engaged with (in other words, locked to) theextension grip 350.

As does the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2, the left railmember 356 includes terminals (left-side terminals 367 to be describedlater). Although not shown in the figure, as with the left rail member300 of the main unit 2, the left-side terminals 367 are provided on thefacing surface of the facing portion. Therefore, when the leftcontroller 3 is attached to the extension grip 350, the left-sideterminals 367 are electrically connected to the terminals 42 of the leftcontroller 3. Thus, the left controller 3 can be charged by theextension grip 350, the details of which will be described later.

Note that the left rail member 356 of the extension grip 350 isdifferent from the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2 in terms ofthe following two points. First, a leaf spring, like the leaf spring 305on the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2, is absent on the bottomsurface portion of the left rail member 356 of the extension grip 350(for the reason to be described later). Second, as shown in FIG. 55, ahole 356 a is formed on the bottom surface portion of the left railmember 356 of the extension grip 350 at a position where light-receivingsurfaces 358 a of lightguide members 358 are provided on the left sidesurface of the housing of the support section 352. The hole 356 a isformed so that the light-receiving surfaces 358 a of the lightguidemembers 358 are exposed on the left side surface of the support section352, the details of which will be described later.

As shown in the right side view of FIG. 54 ((c) of FIG. 54), the rightrail member 357 is provided so as to extend in the up-down direction(i.e., the y-axis direction) on the right side surface (i.e., thesurface on the x-axis negative direction side) of the support section352. As a mechanism for the attachment of the right controller 4, theright rail member 357 includes the same mechanism as the right railmember of the main unit 2 of the second configuration example describedabove. Therefore, the right rail member 357 can slidably engage with theslider 331 of the right controller 4. With the facing portion of theright rail member 357, it is possible to limit the slide movement of theslider 331 of the right controller 4. Moreover, with the stop-receivingportion of the right rail member 357, the right controller 4 can beengaged with (in other words, locked to) the extension grip 350.Moreover, as does the right rail member of the main unit 2, the rightrail member 357 includes terminals (right-side terminals 368 to bedescribed later), and when the right controller 4 is attached to theextension grip 350, the right-side terminals 368 are electricallyconnected to terminals 64 of the right controller 4.

The configuration of the right rail member 357 is the same as theconfiguration of the left rail member 356. Each of the rail members 356and 357 has a shape that is in symmetry with respect to an axisextending parallel to the up-down direction (i.e., the y axis).Therefore, with the extension grip 350, the same member can be used forthe left rail member 356 and for the right rail member 357, therebyimproving the efficiency of the production. Note that in otherembodiments, the right rail member 357 does not need to have the sameconfiguration as that of the left rail member 356. For example, thestop-receiving portion may be provided only on one of the two topsurface portions for the left rail member 356 and the right rail member357, and the stop-receiving portions may be provided at differentpositions for the left rail member 356 and for the right rail member 357(specifically, positions opposite to each other).

As shown in FIG. 54, the slide direction of the left rail member 356 andthe slide direction of the right rail member 357 are substantiallyparallel to each other. FIG. 56 is a diagram showing an example in whichtwo controllers are attached to the extension grip 350. Since the slidedirections of the two rail members 356 and 357 are parallel to eachother, the controllers 3 and 4 attached to the extension grip 350 aresupported by the extension grip 350 in the same direction, as shown inFIG. 56.

The left rail member 356 and the right rail member 357 are bothconfigured so that the slider of the controller can be inserted from theupper side (i.e., the y-axis direction side). That is, in the supportsection 352, the facing portion of the left rail member 356 and thefacing portion of the right rail member 357 are provided at the samelower end (see the left side view and the right side view of FIG. 54).Therefore, a user can attach the left controller 3 and the rightcontroller 4 in the same direction, and it is therefore possible toimprove the usability of the extension grip 350.

Note that the left rail member 356 and the right rail member 357 areformed by a metal, as the rail member of the main unit 2. On the otherhand, the housing of the support section 352 is formed by a resin. Thatis, a resin is used for members that define the outer shape (in otherwords, the surface) of the support section 352, except for rail members.

As shown in FIG. 54, the main section 351 (more specifically, theconnection portion 355) has a left support surface on the left side ofthe support section 352. The left support surface includes a firstsurface 353 a, a second surface 353 b, a third surface 353 c and afourth surface 353 d. The first surface 353 a is provided on the rightside of the left end of the left grip portion 353. The first surface 353a is formed to be continuous with the second surface 353 b, and thesecond surface 353 b is formed to be continuous with the third surface353 c. Note that the second surface 353 b extends rightward from thefirst surface 353 a, and the third surface 353 c extends rightward fromthe second surface 353 b. The left support surface is a surface providedin conformity with the side surface and the reverse surface of the leftcontroller 3 attached to the extension grip 350. Note that the leftsupport surface does not need to support the left controller 3 attachedto the extension grip 350 in the strict sense. That is, the left supportsurface may only extend along the main section 310 of the leftcontroller 3 without being in contact with the left controller 3attached to the extension grip 350.

The first surface 353 a of the left support surface is provided so as toface the bottom surface of the left rail member 356 (in other words, theleft side surface of the support section 352). In other words, the firstsurface 353 a is formed substantially parallel to the bottom surface ofthe left rail member 356. The first surface 353 a is provided along theleft side surface of the left controller 3 attached to the extensiongrip 350. The first surface 353 a is provided on the left side (i.e.,the x-axis positive direction side) of the left side surface of the leftcontroller 3 attached to the extension grip 350.

The controllers 3 and 4 in the second configuration example are roundedin an area over a side surface (that is opposite from the side surfacewhere the slider is provided) and the reverse surface (FIG. 14 and FIG.25). That is, the side surface on the opposite side and the reversesurface are connected together by a connecting surface that is a curvedsurface. The second surface 353 b of the left support surface isprovided along the connecting surface of the left controller 3 attachedto the extension grip 350. The second surface 353 b is provided on theleft side (this can be said to be the rear side (i.e., the z-axispositive direction side) or the rear-left side) of the connectingsurface of the left controller 3 attached to the extension grip 350. Thethird surface 353 c of the left support surface is provided along thereverse surface of the left controller 3 attached to the extension grip350. The third surface 353 c is provided on the rear side of the reversesurface of the left controller 3 attached to the extension grip 350.

By providing the left support surface as described above, there is nolarge gap between the left controller 3 and the left grip portion 353when the left controller 3 is attached to the extension grip 350 (seeFIG. 56). Then, a user can hold the extension grip 350 and thecontrollers attached thereto as if they were a single controller. Inother words, a user can hold the controllers as if the user were holdinggrip portions directly connected to the controllers. Then, it ispossible to provide an extension grip allowing controllers to be usedwith a good controllability.

As shown in FIG. 55, a cut-out portion C2 is formed at the upper endportion of the left support surface of the main section 351. In otherwords, the cut-out portion C2 is formed at the upper end portion of asurface that is defined by the first surface 353 a to the third surface353 c. The cut-out portion C2 is formed so as to avoid the projectionportion 314 provided on the reverse surface of the left controller 3attached to the extension grip 350 (in other words, the ZL button 39provided on the projection portion 314). Specifically, the upper endportion of the surface that is defined by the first surface 353 a to thethird surface 353 c is formed so as to avoid the projection portion 314provided on the reverse surface of the left controller 3 attached to theextension grip 350. The first surface 353 a to the third surface 353 cof the left support surface are formed so that the position of theprojection portion 314 of the left controller 3 attached to theextension grip 350 is the position of the upper side of these surfaces.

By forming the cut-out portion C2 in the main section 351 as describedabove, the left controller 3 with operation sections provided on thereverse surface can be attached to the extension grip 350. With the leftcontroller 3 attached to the extension grip 350, a user can operateoperation sections (e.g., the ZL button 39) provided on the reversesurface of the left controller 3. Moreover, if the boundary portionbetween the cut-out portion C2 and the third surface 353 c (in otherwords, the connecting portion between the fourth surface 353 d and thethird surface 353 c) is in contact with the projection portion 314, theprojection portion 314 of the left controller 3 can be supported by theboundary portion. That is, when the left controller 3 is attached to theextension grip 350, the boundary portion can support the projectionportion 314 from below. Thus, it is possible to more firmly connecttogether the left controller 3 and the extension grip 350.

The fourth surface 353 d of the left support surface is provided so asto extend toward the distal end (i.e., the z-axis positive directionside) from the upper side of the surface that is defined by the firstsurface 353 a to the third surface 353 c. In other words, the fourthsurface 353 d of the left support surface is connected to the upper sideof the surface that is defined by the first surface 353 a to the thirdsurface 353 c, and is provided to be sunken from the surface. Thus, thefourth surface 353 d is provided along the projection portion 314 of theleft controller 3 attached to the extension grip 350. Then, with theleft controller 3 attached to the extension grip 350, there is no largegap between the projection portion 314 of the left controller 3 and theleft grip portion 353. Then, it is possible to reduce the awkwardness tobe felt by a user when operating the ZL button 39 provided on theprojection portion 314, and it is possible to further improve thecontrollability of the controller 3 attached to the extension grip 350.

As shown in FIG. 54, an elastic member 362 is provided on the firstsurface 353 a of the left support surface. The elastic member 362 isprovided so as to protrude from the first surface 353 a. The elasticmember 362 is formed by a rubber, for example. With the left controller3 attached to the extension grip 350, the left controller 3 is pressed(in other words, biased) by the elastic member 362 toward the supportsection 352 (in other words, toward the inside of the extension grip350). Then, it is possible to reduce the looseness between the extensiongrip 350 and the left controller 3, and it is possible to more firmlyconnect the left controller 3 to the extension grip 350. It is alsopossible to reduce the chattering produced when the left controller 3 isvibrated by the vibrator 107.

As shown in the front view of FIG. 54 ((a) of FIG. 54), the elasticmember 362 is provided on the lower side (i.e., the y-axis negativedirection side) of the center of the left rail member 356 in the up-downdirection. Then, it is possible to shorten the period over which theslider 311 of the left controller 3, which is inserted into and slidalong the left rail member 356, is in contact with the elastic member362 when the left controller 3 is attached to the extension grip 350.Then, it is possible to reduce the wear of the elastic member 362.Moreover, the left controller 3 can be smoothly attached to theextension grip 350.

In other embodiments, there may be any number of elastic membersprovided on the left support surface (specifically, the first surface353 a), and there may be a plurality of elastic members. Note that alsowhen a plurality of elastic members are provided, the elastic memberscan be provided on the lower side of the center of the left rail member356 in the up-down direction, as in the present embodiment. Then, it ispossible to shorten the period of time over which the slider 311 of theleft controller 3 is in contact with the elastic members. In otherembodiments, there is no particular limitation on the position at whichthe elastic member is provided. For example, the elastic member may beprovided on the second surface 353 b and/or the third surface 353 c inaddition to the first surface 353 a (or instead of the first surface 353a).

Note that since the elastic member 362 is provided, the left rail member356 of the extension grip 350 does not need to include a memberequivalent to the leaf spring 305 of the main unit 2. Note that in otherembodiments, an elastic member similar to the leaf spring 305 may beprovided on the bottom surface of the left rail member 356.

As shown in FIG. 54 and FIG. 55, the main section 351 includes a rightsupport surface on the right side of the support section 352. The rightsupport surface is configured to have a similar function to that of theleft support surface described above. Specifically, it is formed inleft-right symmetry with the left support surface described above (withrespect to the center of the extension grip 350). That is, the rightsupport surface includes a first surface 354 a, a second surface 354 b,a third surface 354 c and a fourth surface 354 d. The shape of the firstsurface 354 a of the right support surface is in left-right symmetrywith that of the first surface 353 a of the left support surface, theshape of the second surface 354 b of the right support surface is inleft-right symmetry with that of the second surface 353 b of the leftsupport surface, the shape of the third surface 354 c of the rightsupport surface is left-right symmetry with that of the third surface353 c of the left support surface, and the shape of the fourth surface354 d of the right support surface is in left-right symmetry with thatof the fourth surface 353 d of the left support surface. Thus, also withthe right controller 4, as with the left controller 3, a user can holdthe extension grip 350 and the right controller 4 attached thereto as ifthey were a single controller.

With the right support surface having such a shape as described above, acut-out portion C3 is formed in the main section 351, as shown in FIG.55. Then, the right controller 4 with operation sections provided on thereverse surface thereof can be attached to the extension grip 350, and auser can operate operation sections (e.g., the ZR button 61) provided onthe reverse surface of the right controller 4 attached to the extensiongrip 350.

An elastic member 363 similar to the elastic member 362 of the leftsupport surface is provided on the first surface 354 a of the rightsupport surface. Therefore, with the right controller 4 attached to theextension grip 350, the right controller 4 is pressed by the elasticmember 363 toward the support section 352 (in other words, toward theinside of the extension grip 350). Then, it is possible to reduce thelooseness between the extension grip 350 and the right controller 4.Moreover, it is possible to more firmly connect the right controller 4to the extension grip 350, and it is possible to reduce the chatteringproduced when the right controller 4 is vibrated by the vibrator 107.

As shown in FIG. 54 and FIG. 55, a plurality (herein, four) of screwholes are formed on the left support surface and the right supportsurface (specifically, the third surfaces 353 c and 354 c), and screws364 are screwed into the screw holes. Note that the housing of the mainsection 351 is formed by a front-side housing member and a rear-sidehousing member. The screws 364 are for connecting together thefront-side housing member and the rear-side housing member. As shown inFIG. 55, the screws 364 are provided so as not to protrude from the leftsupport surface or the right support surface. In other words, the screws364 are provided at positions sunken from the left support surface andthe right support surface. Then, when the slider of the controller isinserted into the rail member of the extension grip 350, it is possibleto reduce the possibility that the screws 364 come into contact with thecontroller, and it is possible to smoothly attach the controller to theextension grip 350.

A supporting device such as the extension grip 350 may have no gripportion. For example, the extension grip 350 may only include thesupport section 352, and not include the main section 351. Then, a usercan perform operations by holding the controllers 3 and 4 attached tothe support section 352. Also in this way, a user can hold, as anintegral unit, two controllers 3 and 4 removed from the main unit 2, andcan perform operations while fixing the positional relationship betweenthe two controllers 3 and 4. Therefore, it is possible to improve thecontrollability when the two controllers 3 and 4 are used removed fromthe main unit 2. Note that a supporting device having no grip portionmay have a configuration in which the first surface of the left supportsurface and the right support surface described above is absent, andtherefore the elastic member on the first surface is also absent. Withsuch a configuration, the supporting device may include an elasticmember similar to the leaf spring 305 described above provided on thebottom surface of the rail member. Then, controllers can be firmlyconnected to the extension grip 350.

(Elements Regarding Charging)

Next, elements for allowing controllers to be charged by the extensiongrip 350 will be described. The extension grip 350 is capable ofcharging controllers attached thereto by providing power supply to thecontrollers.

FIG. 57 is a block diagram showing an example internal configuration ofthe extension grip 350. In the present embodiment, the elements shown inFIG. 57 are provided on the support section 352. Note that in otherembodiments, some of the elements shown in FIG. 57 may be provided onthe main section 351.

As shown in FIG. 57, the extension grip 350 includes a power terminal360. The power terminal 360 is similar to the power terminal 134 of thecradle 5. Therefore, by connecting a charging device (e.g., an ACadaptor, etc.) (not shown) to the power terminal 360, the extension grip350 can receive power supply from the charging device via the powerterminal 360. Note that there is no particular limitation on theposition at which the connector of the power terminal 360 (in otherwords, the connector including the power terminal 360) is provided. Inthe present embodiment, as shown in the top view of FIG. 54 ((d) of FIG.54), the connector of the power terminal 360 is provided on the uppersurface (i.e., the surface on the y-axis positive direction side) of thesupport section 352. Then, even if the charging device is connected tothe power terminal 360 while the extension grip 350 is in use, it doesnot interfere with operations and it is possible to maintain thecontrollability of the extension grip 350.

The extension grip 350 includes a power supply control section 366. Thepower supply control section 366 is electrically connected to the powerterminal 360, an indicator LED 361, the left-side terminals 367 and theright-side terminals 368. The power supply control section 366 is apower control circuit formed by an electronic circuit, for example. Thepower supply control section 366 controls the power supply to thecontrollers connected to the extension grip 350 (more specifically, thecharging for the controllers). That is, the power supply control section366 supplies power from the power terminal 360 to the left controller 3and the right controller 4 via the left-side terminals 367 and theright-side terminals 368, thereby charging the left controller 3 and theright controller 4. The power supply control section 366 also controlsthe indicator LED 361 in order to indicate, to the user, the chargingstatus for the controllers 3 and 4.

The left-side terminals 367 are terminals provided on the left railmember 356 described above. The right-side terminals 368 are terminalsprovided on the right rail member 357 described above. Note that thenumber of terminals of the left-side terminals 367 and the right-sideterminals 368 may be different from that of the left-side terminals 17and the right-side terminals 21 of the main unit 2. For example, theleft-side terminals 367 and the right-side terminals 368 may onlyinclude those that are used for charging, of all the ten left-sideterminals 17 of the main unit 2.

The indicator LED 361 is an indicator section for indicatingpredetermined information (specifically, information regarding charging)to the user. As shown in the top view of FIG. 54 ((d) of FIG. 54), theindicator LED 361 is provided on the surface (i.e., the upper surface)of the support section 352 on which the power terminal 360 is provided.Note that there is no particular limitation on the position at which theindicator LED 361 is provided, and the indicator LED 361 may be providedon a different surface from the surface on which the power terminal 360is provided in other embodiments.

Next, the operation in which the extension grip 350 charges thecontrollers attached thereto will be described. In order to charge thecontrollers 3 and 4 attached to the extension grip 350, a user furtherconnects the charging device (e.g., an AC adaptor, etc.) to the powerterminal 360. Thus, the extension grip 350 can receive power supply fromthe charging device via the connector of the power terminal 360.

When the power supply via the power terminal 360 is available, the powersupply control section 366 determines whether or not to charge. In thepresent embodiment, the determination is made based on informationregarding charging (referred to as the charging information) receivedfrom the controllers attached to the extension grip 350.

In the present embodiment, when attached to the extension grip 350, thecontrollers 3 and 4 each transmit, to the extension grip 350, charginginformation representing whether the controller needs to be charged.Specifically, when its battery level is not sufficiently high, thecontroller 3 or 4 transmits, to the extension grip 350, charginginformation indicating that charging is needed. On the other hand, whenits battery level is sufficiently high (e.g., after charging isfinished), the controller 3 or 4 transmits to the extension grip 350,charging information indicating that charging is not needed. Note thatthere is no particular limitation on the timing with which controllerstransmit the charging information. For example, charging information maybe transmitted periodically (specifically, at a rate of once per apredetermined period of time), or may be transmitted when apredetermined condition is satisfied (specifically, when the controlleris connected to another device and/or when charging is finished).

The power supply control section 366 determines to charge when itreceives charging information indicating that charging is needed from atleast one controller. On the other hand, when charging informationindicating that charging is needed is not received from any of thecontrollers (i.e., when charging information indicating that charging isnot needed is received or when no charging information is receivedbecause no controller is attached), the power supply control section 366determines not to charge. In this case, the power supply control section366 does not start charging.

When the power supply control section 366 determines to charge, thepower supplied from the power terminal 360 is supplied to the leftcontroller 3 and/or the right controller 4 via the left-side terminals367 and/or the right-side terminals 368. The battery of the leftcontroller 3 is charged with the power supplied from the extension grip350 via the terminals 42. The battery of the right controller 4 ischarged with the power supplied from the extension grip 350 via theterminals 64. Thus, the left controller 3 and/or the right controller 4are charged.

Note that the power supply control section 366 supplies power to thecontroller that has transmitted the charging information indicating thatcharging is needed. That is, if charging information indicating thatcharging is needed has been received from the controllers 3 and 4, thepower supply control section 366 supplies power to both the controllers3 and 4, and if charging information indicating that charging is neededhas been received from one of the controllers 3 and 4, the power supplycontrol section 366 supplies power to the one of the controllers.

There is no particular limitation on the condition for the extensiongrip 350 to charge controllers. For example, in other embodiments, thepower supply control section 366 may charge controllers not based oninformation from the controllers (e.g., unconditionally charge thecontrollers attached).

When at least one controller is being charged, the power supply controlsection 366 controls the indicator LED 361 to be lit in a predeterminedmanner (e.g., to be lit steadily or to blink). That is, the indicatorLED 361 indicates that a controller or controllers are being chargeduntil charging of both of the two game controllers is finished. Then,the indicator LED 361 is turned OFF when charging of both of the twogame controllers is finished.

Thus, in the present embodiment, when at least one of two controllersthat can be attached to the extension grip 350 is being charged, it isindicated to a user by means of the indicator LED 361 that thecontroller or controllers are being charged. When charging has startedfor two controllers, charging of one of the controllers may finish firstwhile the other controller is still being charged. According to thepresent embodiment, in such a case, it is continuously indicated to auser by means of the indicator LED 361 that the controller orcontrollers are being charged. Therefore, it is possible to reduce thepossibility that a user discontinues charging (specifically, by removingthe controller or the charging device from the extension grip 350) eventhough charging has not been finished for the other controller. In thepresent embodiment, since the charging status for two game controllerscan be indicated by means of one indicator LED, it is possible tosimplify the configuration of the extension grip 350 and reduce theproduction cost.

Note that in other embodiments, when charging is finished for all of thecontrollers attached, the power supply control section 366 may controlthe indicator LED 361 to be lit in a different manner from that duringcharging (e.g., to blink with a different blinking interval or to be litin a different color). For example, the indicator LED 361 may becontrolled to blink during charging, and to be lit steadily whencharging is finished for all of the controllers attached. Then, it ispossible to indicate to a user that charging is finished.

In other embodiments, the extension grip 350 may include a plurality ofindicator LEDs. For example, the extension grip 350 may include a firstindicator LED corresponding to the left controller 3 and a secondindicator LED corresponding to the right controller 4. Then, the powersupply control section 366 uses the first indicator LED to indicate thatthe left controller 3 is being charged, and the second indicator LED toindicate that the right controller 4 is being charged. Then, it ispossible to separately indicate to a user the charging status of eachcontroller. The first indicator LED may be provided on the left side ofthe center of the extension grip 350 (more specifically, the supportsection 352) and the second indicator LED may be provided on the rightside of the extension grip 350 (more specifically, the support section352). Thus, it is possible to indicate to the user how the controllersand the indicator LEDs are associated with each other.

In other embodiments, the extension grip 350 may not have the chargingfunction. Then, the extension grip 350 does not need to have electronicmembers such as terminals. Employing the configuration with noelectronic member, it is possible to simplify the configuration of theextension grip 350.

(Elements Regarding Lightguide)

The extension grip 350 includes elements for allowing a user to see thelight from the indicator LEDs of the controllers attached thereto. Theindicator LED of each of the controllers 3 and 4 may be lit to indicatethe number assigned to the controller, or may be lit to indicate theremaining battery level of the controller. In such a case, with theconfiguration described above, a user can see the light from theindicator LED of each controller even if the controller is attached tothe extension grip 350. This will be described below in detail.

As shown in FIG. 55, the hole 356 a is formed on the bottom surface ofthe left rail member 356. Light-receiving ports (i.e., holes in whichthe light-receiving surfaces 358 a of the lightguide member 358 shown inFIG. 55 are provided) are formed in an area of the left side surface ofthe housing of the support section 352 that is exposed through the hole356 a. The number of the light-receiving ports is equal to the number(herein, four) of the indicator LEDs 45 of the left controller 3. Thelight-receiving ports are formed at positions that are substantiallyopposing the indicator LEDs 45 of the left controller 3 attached to theextension grip 350.

On the other hand, light-exiting ports (i.e., holes in whichlight-exiting surfaces 358 b of the lightguide member 358 shown in FIG.55 are provided) are formed on the front surface of the support section352. The light-exiting ports correspond to four light-receiving ports,and the number of the light-exiting ports is equal to the number(herein, four) of the light-receiving ports. Inside the support section352, each light-exiting port is connected to a light-receiving portassociated with the light-exiting port. Note that there is no particularlimitation on the positions at which the light-exiting ports are formed,and the positions may be on any surface that is different from thesurface on which the rail member is provided. For example, in otherembodiments, the light-exiting ports may be formed on the upper surface,the lower surface or the reverse surface of the support section 352.

As shown in FIG. 55, each light-receiving port and a light-exiting portassociated with the light-receiving port are connected together via thelightguide member 358. Specifically, the lightguide member 358 isprovided in a space (specifically, a tunnel-shaped space) connectingbetween the light-receiving port and the light-exiting port, with thelight-receiving surfaces 358 a of the lightguide member 358 beingprovided near the light-receiving ports and the light-exiting surfaces358 b of the lightguide member 358 being provided near the light-exitingports (see FIG. 55. Note that a dotted line in FIG. 55 represents wherethe lightguide member 358 is placed for one of the four light-receivingports). The lightguide member 358 is a transparent member formed by aresin, for example. The lightguide member 358 guides light incident uponthe light-receiving surfaces 358 a to the light-exiting surfaces 358 bby virtue of internal reflection, and the light exits the light-exitingsurfaces 358 b. Note that the lightguide member 358 may be any membercapable of guiding the light incident upon the light-receiving surfaces358 a to the light-exiting surfaces 358 b. For example, in otherembodiments, the lightguide member 358 may be a mirror provided on thewall of the holes connecting between the light-receiving ports and thelight-exiting ports.

When the indicator LEDs 45 of the left controller 3 attached to theextension grip 350 are lit, the light from an indicator LED 45 isincident upon the light-receiving surface 358 a facing the indicator LED45, and is output from the light-exiting surface 358 b through thelightguide member 358. Thus, a user can see the light from the indicatorLEDs 45 of the left controller 3, and can receive information that isindicated by the indicator LEDs 45.

The description above is directed to a configuration by which light fromthe indicator LEDs 45 of the left controller 3 is presented to a user.The extension grip 350 includes a similar configuration to thatdescribed above for presenting, to a user, light from the indicator LEDs67 of the right controller 4 attached thereto. That is, although notshown in the figure, a hole similar to the hole 356 a of the left railmember 356 is formed on the bottom surface of the right rail member 357,and four light-receiving ports are formed in an area on the housing ofthe support section 352 that is exposed through the hole. Thelight-receiving ports are connected to the light-exiting ports (i.e.,holes in which light-exiting surfaces 359 b of the lightguide membershown in FIG. 55 are provided) formed on the front surface of thesupport section 352. Then, a lightguide member is provided in a spaceconnecting between the light-receiving port and the light-exiting port.With the configuration described above, when the indicator LED 67 of theright controller 4 attached to the extension grip 350 emits light, thelight from the indicator LED 67 is output from the light-exiting surface359 b through the lightguide member.

Note that in the present embodiment, the light-receiving surface of thelightguide member is provided at a position sunken from the bottomsurface of the rail member (in other words, at a position closer to thecenter of the support section 352 in the left-right direction). Then, itis possible to reduce the possibility that the lightguide member comesinto contact with the controller when inserting the slider of thecontroller into the rail member of the extension grip 350, therebyallowing the controller to be smoothly attached to the extension grip350.

As described above, with the extension grip 350, when an indicator LEDof the controller attached to the extension grip 350 emits light, thelight is output from the light-exiting surface corresponding to theindicator LED. Then, even when the controller is attached to theextension grip 350, it is possible to present, to a user, informationindicated by indicator LEDs. For example, when indicator LEDs representinformation such as the number assigned to the controller or thecharging status of the controller, it is possible to indicate thisinformation to a user even when the controller is attached to theextension grip 350. According to the present embodiment, by theprovision of the lightguide member, it is possible to present, to auser, information indicated by indicator LEDs of the controller attachedto the extension grip 350 using a simple configuration (e.g., ascompared with an embodiment in which information regarding indicatorLEDs is received from the controller so as to control indicator LEDs ofthe extension grip based on the received information).

Note that in other embodiments, partitions may be provided between aplurality of light-receiving ports (in other words, a plurality oflight-receiving surfaces) arranged next to each other. Then, it ispossible to reduce the possibility that light from one indicator LED isincident upon another light-receiving surface that is different from thecorresponding light-receiving surface, and it is possible to reduce thepossibility that light is output from a light-exiting surface that doesnot correspond to the indicator LED that is emitting light.

In other embodiments, the extension grip 350 may only include one set ofa light-receiving surface and a light-exiting surface for one controllereven if the controller includes a plurality of indicator LEDs. Then,when any of a plurality of indicator LEDs of the controller emits light,the light is output from the light-exiting surface of the extension grip350. Although it is not possible to indicate which one of the indicatorLEDs of the controller is emitting light, it is possible to indicate toa user that at least one of the indicator LEDs is emitting light.Depending on the content of information to be indicated by indicatorLEDs to a user, the configuration described above may suffice.

In other embodiments, the extension grip 350 may receive informationregarding the light emission of the indicator LEDs of the controller (inother words, the information indicated by the indicator LEDs) from thecontroller via the terminals 367 or 368. Then, the extension grip 350may include an indicator section (e.g., indicator LEDs), and may use theindicator section to give the indication based on the receivedinformation.

(Elements Regarding Communication with Main Unit 2)

Note that when the controllers 3 and 4 are attached to the extensiongrip 350, the controllers 3 and 4 and the main unit 2 communicate witheach other using wireless communication, as when the controllers 3 and 4are attached to the extension grip 210 shown in FIG. 52. That is, evenwhen attached to the extension grip 350, the controllers 3 and 4 cancommunicate with the main unit 2.

Note that in other embodiments, the extension grip 350 may include acommunication section for allowing the extension grip 350 to communicatewith the main unit 2 using wireless communication. Then, the extensiongrip 350 may obtain operation data from the controllers 3 and 4 attachedto the extension grip 350, and transmit the obtained operation data tothe main unit 2 via the communication section.

The extension grip 350 may include operation sections (e.g., buttons, ananalog stick, etc.). Then, the extension grip 350 can give a widervariety to the operation using the controller. Note that as in the casein which the extension grip 210 includes operation sections shown inFIG. 52, information representing operations performing using theoperation sections may be transmitted to the main unit 2 via thecontroller attached to the extension grip 350 or may be transmitted fromthe extension grip 350 directly to the main unit 2 if the extension grip350 includes the communication section described above.

(Elements Allowing Support Section to be Movable with Respect to MainSection)

Note that in other embodiments, in the extension grip 350 shown in FIG.54, the main section 351 may be movable with respect to the supportsection 352 (or, it can be said that the support section 352 may bemovable with respect to the main section 351). FIG. 58 is a diagramshowing an example configuration of an extension grip of which the mainsection is movable. As shown in FIG. 58, the main section 351 may bemovable with respect to the support section 352 in the up-down direction(i.e., the y-axis direction). For example, the position at which themain section 351 is connected to the support section 352 may bevariable.

Specifically, the main section 351 and the support section 352 may beconnected to each other via a slide mechanism that can slide in theup-down direction. Then, the extension grip 350 includes a mechanism forlimiting (in other words, locking) the slide movement of the supportsection 352 at a plurality of positions (which may be any positions)within the range of slide movement. For example, the extension grip 350may include a mechanism for allowing the main section 351 to slide withrespect to the support section 352 by loosening a screw, while lockingthe slide movement of the main section 351 with respect to the supportsection 352 by tightening the screw. For example, one of the mainsection 351 and the support section 352 may include a stop membercapable of engaging with the other one of the main section 351 and thesupport section 352 at a plurality of positions within the range ofslide movement.

In other embodiments, the extension grip 350 may be configured so thatthe main section 351 can be attached to the support section 352 at aplurality of different positions with respect to the up-down direction.For example, screw holes may be provided on the reverse surface of thesupport section 352 at a plurality of different positions in the up-downdirection, so that the main section 351 can be attached to the supportsection 352 by screwing a screw in one of the screw holes.

As described above, the extension grip 350 may be configured so that thedistance in the up-down direction between a grip portion of the mainsection 351 and a controller attached to the support section 352 isvariable. Then, it is possible to adjust the distance to an appropriatedistance for each user (e.g., to a distance suitable for the size of thehands of the user, etc.), thus improving the controllability of theextension grip 350.

In other embodiments, with the extension grip 350 shown in FIG. 55, thedistance between a grip portion and a controller attached to theextension grip 350 (in other words, the rail member of the extensiongrip 350) may be variable. FIG. 59 is a diagram showing an exampleconfiguration of an extension grip in which the distance between a gripportion and a controller is variable. As shown in FIG. 59, the gripportions 353 and 354 may be movable in the left-right direction (i.e.,the x-axis direction) in the main section 351. That is, the connectionportion 355 may be connected to the grip portions 353 and 354 so as tobe movable in the left-right direction. Note that it can be said thatwith the configuration shown in FIG. 59, the distance between the leftand right grip portions 353 and 354 is variable.

There is no particular limitation on the mechanism that allows the gripportions 353 and 354 to be movable. For example, the connection portion355 and the grip portions may be connected to each other by a slidemechanism that can slide in the left-right direction (in other words,the direction in which the interval between the connection portion andthe grip portions is varied).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 59, the left grip portion 353 may includean arm 353 f and the right grip portion 354 may include an arm 354 f.The arms 353 f and 354 f are inserted into holes (not shown) provided onthe left and right side surfaces of the connection portion 355, and areconnected so as to be slidable in the left-right direction with respectto the connection portion 355. Then, the connection portion 355 includesa mechanism for limiting (in other words, locking) the slide movement ofthe grip portions 353 and 354 at a plurality of positions (which may beany positions) within the range of slide movement of the grip portions353 and 354. Although not shown in the figure, for example, theconnection portion 355 may include a mechanism for allowing the gripportions to slide with respect to the connection portion 355 byloosening a screw, while preventing the grip portions from sliding withrespect to the connection portion 355 by tightening the screw. Forexample, one of the connection portion 355 and the grip portions mayinclude a stop member capable of engaging with the other one of theconnection portion 355 and the grip portions at a plurality of positionswithin the range of slide movement.

In other embodiments, the connection portion 355 may be configured to bestretchable in the left-right direction. That is, the connection portion355 may include a mechanism that makes variable the length of theconnection portion 355 in the left-right direction.

As described above, the extension grip 350 may include a mechanismcapable of varying the distance between controllers attached thereto andthe grip portions (in other words, the interval between the two gripportions 353 and 354). Then, it is possible to adjust the distancebetween controllers attached to the extension grip 350 and the gripportions to an appropriate distance for each user (e.g., to a distancesuitable for the size of the hands of the user, etc.), thus improvingthe controllability of the extension grip 350.

With the extension grip 350, as with the extension grip 210 shown inFIG. 52, the controllers 3 and 4 can be used while they are attached tothe extension grip 350. Then, it is possible to perform operations whilefixing the positional relationship between the two controllers 3 and 4,and it is therefore possible to improve the controllability of the twocontrollers 3 and 4 when removed from the main unit 2.

The extension grip 350 described above can be used as a charging devicefor the controllers. For example, when the battery of a controller hasrun out when the controller is used while removed from the main unit 2,a user can attach the controller to the extension grip 350 with an ACadaptor, etc., connected to the power terminal 360 thereof to charge thecontroller.

Note that a slide member similar to the rail member described above(i.e., the left rail member 300, etc.) may be provided on a chargingdevice used for the purpose of charging controllers connected thereto,as well as the extension grip 350 used for the purpose of operatingcontrollers connected thereto. Then, the charging device may include onerail member or may include a plurality of rail members so as tosimultaneously charge a plurality of controllers. With charging devices,as opposed to the main unit 2 and extension grips, the rail members donot need to be provided at positions in left-right symmetry.

[5-3. Accessory for Main Unit]

The information processing system may include an accessory to which themain unit 2 can be attached. An HMD accessory to be described below asan example accessory can be used as a so-called HMD (head mounteddisplay) with the main unit 2 attached thereto.

FIG. 60 is a diagram showing an example HMD accessory to which the mainunit 2 can be attached. An HMD accessory 230 shown in FIG. 60 includes ahousing 231 and belts 232 a and 232 b. One end of the belt 232 a isattached to one end of the housing 231, and one end of the belt 232 b isattached to the other end of the housing 231. Although not shown in thefigure, the other end of the belt 232 a can be removably connected tothe other end of the belt 232 b. Thus, the housing 231 can be mounted onthe head of the user by connecting together the two belts 232 a and 232b around the head of the user. Note that there is no particularlimitation on the mechanism for allowing the HMD accessory 230 to bemounted on the head of the user.

As shown in FIG. 60, the housing 231 includes two openings 231 a. Theopenings 231 a are located so as to face the eyes of the user with thehousing 231 mounted on the head of the user. Although not shown in thefigure, the HMD accessory 230 includes a lens provided in each of theopenings 231 a.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 60, the housing 231 includes an insertionslot 231 b for receiving the main unit 2 attached thereto (or insertedthereinto). That is, the main unit 2 can be attached to the HMDaccessory 230 by inserting the main unit 2 into the insertion slot 231b. If the main unit 2 is attached so that the display 12 is facing theopenings 231 a, the display 12 can be viewed through the lenses throughthe openings 231 a. That is, the housing 231 supports the display 12 sothat the user can view the display 12 of the main unit 2.

With such a configuration, a user can view images on the display 12 whenthe HMD accessory 230 with the main unit 2 attached thereto is mountedon the head of the user. That is, the HMD accessory 230 with the mainunit 2 attached thereto functions as a so-called HMD. Note that the HMDaccessory 230 may present images of a wide viewing angle to a user byenlarging the viewing angle of the images on the display 12 through thelenses. This can enhance the sense of immersion for a user looking atthe images. Note that the main unit 2 may perform a predeterminedconversion process on the images displayed on the display 12 so thatappropriate images are viewed through the lenses.

Note that in the present embodiment, the main unit 2 includes theacceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90, and cancalculate the movement and/or the attitude of the main unit 2 based onthe detection results of these sensors. Therefore, the main unit 2 cancalculate the movement and/or the attitude of the HMD accessory 230 towhich the main unit 2 is attached, and perform a predetermined processin accordance with the movement and/or the attitude. Note that thepredetermined process, for example, is a process of controlling avirtual camera for producing images to be displayed on the display 12based on the movement and/or the attitude of the HMD accessory 230, andmore specifically is a process of changing the line-of-sight directionof the virtual camera depending on the attitude, for example.

In other embodiments, if the main unit 2 does not have sensors forsensing the movement and/or the attitude of the main unit 2 (e.g., anacceleration sensor and/or an angular velocity sensor), the HMDaccessory 230 may include the sensors. Then, the HMD accessory 230 maytransmit the detection results of the sensors (or information obtainedby performing a predetermined process on the detection results) to themain unit 2. The main unit 2 may calculate the movement and/or theattitude of the HMD accessory 230 based on the information transmittedfrom the HMD accessory 230.

In the present embodiment, the controllers 3 and 4 may be used whilethey are removed from the main unit 2. Therefore, even with the mainunit 2 attached to the HMD accessory 230, the controllers 3 and 4 can beused as controller devices. That is, a user can operate the controllersusing the hands while the HMD accessory 230 with the main unit 2attached thereto is mounted on the head of the user.

As described above, the information processing device 1 of the presentembodiment, with the use of the HMD accessory 230 described above, canbe used in a mode in which it is used as an HMD. In the presentembodiment, since the controllers can be removed from the main unit 2,it is possible to reduce the weight of the device or devices to bemounted on the head of the user. A user can perform operations usingremoved controllers.

[6. Functions/Effects and Variations of Present Embodiment]

In the present embodiment described above, the information processingdevice 1 includes the main unit 2, the left controller (referred to alsoas the first controller device) 3, and the right controller (referred toalso as the second controller device) 4. Since the informationprocessing device 1 includes a plurality of devices, it can be referredto also as an information processing system. The main unit includes adisplay (i.e., the display 12). The left controller 3 can be attached toand detached from the main unit 2, and the right controller 4 can beattached to and detached from the main unit 2 (FIG. 2). The leftcontroller 3 transmits first operation data representing an operationperformed on the left controller 3 to the main unit 2, whether it isattached to the main unit 2 or not. The right controller 4 transmitssecond operation data representing an operation performed on the rightcontroller 4 to the main unit 2, whether it is attached to the main unit2 or not. The main unit displays, on the display, the execution resultof a predetermined information process (step S44) based on the firstoperation data transmitted from the left controller 3 and the secondoperation data transmitted from the right controller 4 (step S45). Thus,with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached to themain unit 2, the main unit 2 is capable of displaying, on the display,images based on operations performed on the left controller 3 and theright controller 4 (FIG. 33). The main unit 2 is also capable ofdisplaying, on the display, images based on operations performed on theleft controller 3 and the right controller 4 when the left controller 3and the right controller 4 are removed from the main unit 2 (FIG. 34).

As described above, the information processing device 1 can be used bothin the mode in which the controllers 3 and 4 are attached to the mainunit 2 and in the mode in which the controllers 3 and 4 are removed fromthe main unit. Thus, since a plurality of modes of use are realized witha single information processing device 1, the information processingdevice 1 can be used in a wider variety of manners.

The “image based on operations” may be images obtained by an informationprocess that is performed based on an operation (e.g., images obtainedby an operation performed on an application used for obtaining andviewing information from the Internet) or images produced by aninformation process that is performed based on an operation (e.g., gameimages produced in accordance with a game operation performed on a gameapplication).

In the above description, the main unit 2 may be used in the mode inwhich the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached tothe main unit 2 and in the mode in which the left controller 3 and theright controller 4 are removed from the main unit 2, and it is notnecessary that both of these modes be available under certainconditions. For example, only one of the two modes may be available in apredetermined application running on the main unit 2. That is, the mainunit 2 may run an application that is available only in the mode inwhich the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached tothe main unit 2, and may run another application that is available onlyin the mode in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4are removed from the main unit 2.

In the above description, the main unit 2 may include an informationprocessing unit (e.g., the CPU 81) instead of a display.

The left controller 3 includes a first input section (e.g., the analogstick 32) and a second input section (e.g., the operation buttons 33 to36). The right controller 4 includes a third input section (e.g., theanalog stick 52) of the same type as the first input section and afourth input section (e.g., the operation buttons 53 to 56) of the sametype as the second input section.

Note that an “input section” is any means that outputs informationrepresenting a user input and/or information with which it is possibleto calculate (or estimate) a user input. For example, an input sectionmay be a button, a directional input section such as an analog stick, atouch panel, a microphone, a camera, a sensor capable of calculating themovement of the controller, for example, (e.g., an acceleration sensorand an angular velocity sensor), and the like.

As described above, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4include two sets of input sections of the same type. Therefore, usingthe input sections described above, a user can use two controllers in asimilar manner. For example, if a single user uses a controller, it isconvenient because the user can perform operations in a similar mannerusing either one of two controllers. Also conveniently, two users caneach use one controller, for example.

In the above description, “input sections being of the same type” is notlimited to cases in which the two input sections are the same inputsections, but may also include cases in which two input sections havefunctions and/or applications of the same type. For example, if thefirst input section is an analog stick that can be tilted up, down, leftand right, the third input section may be a slide stick that can be slidup, down, left and right or a cross-shaped key capable of making aninput of up, down, left and right.

In the embodiment described above, the input mechanism of the firstinput section and the input mechanism of the third input section (e.g.,the operation button 33 and the operation button 53 or the analog stick32 and the analog stick 52) are substantially the same. The inputmechanism of the second input section and the input mechanism of thefourth input section are substantially the same. Thus, the twocontrollers will have two types of input sections that can be operatedin a similar fashion. Therefore, a user can use two controllers in asimilar fashion, thereby improving the controllability of thecontrollers.

In the embodiment described above, the first input section hassubstantially the same shape as the third input section. Also, thesecond input section has substantially the same shape as the fourthinput section. Thus, the two controllers will have two types of inputsections that can be operated in a similar fashion. Therefore, a usercan use two controllers in a similar fashion, thereby improving thecontrollability of the controllers.

If the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are removed from themain unit 2, the positional relationship between the first input sectionand the second input section of the left controller 3 placed in acertain orientation is the same as the positional relationship betweenthe third input section and the fourth input section of the rightcontroller 4 placed in a certain orientation. For example, consider acase in which the left side surface the left controller 3 is facing auser and the right side surface of the right controller 4 is facinganother user, as shown in FIG. 35 and FIG. 37. Then, the positionalrelationship between the first input section (i.e., the analog stick 32)and the second input section (i.e., the operation buttons 33 to 36) isthe same as the positional relationship between the third input section(i.e., the analog stick 52) and the fourth input section (i.e., theoperation buttons 53 to 56).

Then, users can use the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 ina similar fashion. Thus, it is possible to improve the controllabilityof the controllers. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 35, witheither one of the two controllers, a user can operate the analog stickwith the left hand and the operation buttons with the right hand.

With the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attached to themain unit 2, the positional relationship between the first input section(i.e., the analog stick 32) and the second input section (i.e., theoperation buttons 33 to 36) is opposite from the positional relationshipbetween the third input section (i.e., the analog stick 52) and thefourth input section (i.e., the operation buttons 53 to 56) (see FIG.1).

Thus, if the controllers 3 and 4 are attached to the main unit 2, if auser holds the controllers 3 and 4 respectively with the left hand andthe right hand, the user is allowed to easily operate different inputsections with the left hand and with the right hand. Thus, it ispossible to improve the controllability of the information processingdevice 1 with controllers attached thereto.

Now, assume a configuration in which the positional relationship betweenthe first input section and the second input section is the same as thepositional relationship between the third input section and the fourthinput section. Even with such a configuration, a user may tend tooperate the left and right controllers in a similar fashion (e.g.,operating the analog stick with the left hand and the operation buttonswith the right hand). Then, if the controllers have a similar shape tothat of the present embodiment (i.e., one side surface is rounded), onecontroller will be held with the rounded side surface facing away fromthe user while the other controller will be held with the rounded sidesurface facing toward the user. That is, this configuration has aproblem in that when users hold controllers removed from the main unit2, the direction of the rounded side surface of one controller will beopposite to that of the other controller, which makes it less easy for auser to understand the appropriate orientation in which to hold acontroller.

Moreover, with such a configuration, if sub-buttons (the second L buttonand/or the second R button in the embodiment described above) areprovided on each controller, the sub-buttons will be provided on therounded side surface (as in the present embodiment) for one controller,whereas the sub-buttons will be provided on the opposite side surfacefrom the rounded side surface for the other controller. With such aconfiguration, however, the sub-buttons of one controller will beexposed even when the controller is attached to the main unit 2, and thesub-buttons may possibly be operated in error in the attached state.

In contrast, according to the present embodiment employing aconfiguration in which the positional relationship between the firstinput section and the second input section is opposite from thepositional relationship between the third input section and the fourthinput section, it is possible to prevent the two problems describedabove.

In the embodiment described above, the first input section and the thirdinput section are each a directional input section for receiving adirectional input. More specifically, the directional input section mayinclude an operation member (e.g., a stick member) that can be tilted orslid in a predetermined direction. Then, a user can make directionalinputs by using the left controller 3 or the right controller 4.

In the embodiment described above, the second input section and thefourth input section are each a button that can be pressed. Thus, a usercan make button inputs by using the left controller 3 or the rightcontroller 4.

In the embodiment described above, a controller is attached integrallyto the main unit 2 with a surface of the housing of the controller(e.g., the right side surface for the left controller 3) facing asurface of the main unit 2 (see FIG. 2). Thus, with the controllerattached to the main unit 2, a user can handle the controller and themain unit as an integral unit, thereby improving the controllability.

In the embodiment described above, the left controller 3 is attached tothe main unit 2 so as to be facing one of a left side surface and aright side surface of the main unit 2 (specifically, the left sidesurface). The right controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2 so as tobe facing the other one of the left side surface and the right sidesurface of the main unit 2 (i.e., the right side surface). Then, a usercan operate the two controllers attached to the main unit 2 respectivelywith the left hand and the right hand, thereby providing the informationprocessing device 1 with a good controllability.

The controller includes a light-emitting portion (e.g., the indicatorLED 45 for the left controller 3) provided on a surface of the slider311 for notifying a user of predetermined information. Then,predetermined information (e.g., the status of the informationprocessing device 1) can be indicated to the user using the controller.

Note that the light-emitting portion may indicate the communicationstatus between the main unit 2 and the controller. For example, in theembodiment described above, the indicator LED indicates a number that isassigned to the controller as a result of communication (morespecifically, the number represented by the number information describedabove). For example, the indicator LED may indicate the status ofwireless communication between the information processing device 1 andthe controller. Specifically, the indicator LED may indicate whether ornot wireless communication is available at that point in time or mayindicate whether or not pairing has been done.

The controller includes operation sections provided on a surface of theslider 311 (e.g., the second L button 43 and the second R button 44 forthe left controller 3). Note that the “operation section” for examplemeans any input section operated by a user, such as buttons, a stick,etc. Thus, more operation sections are available when the controller isremoved from the main unit 2 than when the controller is attached to themain unit 2. Therefore, a user is allowed to perform a variety ofoperations even when the controller is removed from the main unit 2, andit is possible to improve the controllability of the controller.

Note that in other embodiments, the main unit 2 may include operationsections (e.g., buttons) provided on the engaged surface (i.e., the leftside surface or the right side surface of the main unit 2) to which theleft controller 3 or the right controller 4 is attached. Note that theoperation section may be a button having a particular function, whichmay specifically be a power button, a home button or a sleep button. Forexample, in the embodiment described above, the power button 28 may beprovided on the left side surface or the right side surface of the mainunit 2. Then, the power button 28 cannot be operated when the leftcontroller 3 or the right controller 4 is attached, thereby preventingan erroneous operation by a user. Note that when an operation section isprovided on a side surface of the main unit 2, the operation section maybe provided on the rail member or on another portion of the housingother than the rail member.

Note that an operation section having the same function as the operationsection described above may be provided on the left controller 3 and/orthe right controller 4. For example, in other embodiments, a powerbutton having the same function as the power button 28 may be providedon the left controller 3 and/or the right controller 4. Then, thefunction of the input section is available to the user even when theleft controller 3 and the right controller 4 are in the attached state.

In other embodiments, the main unit 2 may include a terminal forconnecting other devices provided on the engaged surface (i.e., the leftside surface or the right side surface of the main unit 2) to which theleft controller 3 or the right controller 4 is attached. For example, inthe embodiment described above, the first slot 23 and/or the second slot24 (in other words, terminals provided in the slots) may be provided onthe left side surface or the right side surface of the main unit 2.Then, with the controller attached to the main unit 2, the terminals canbe protected by the controller. If a slot is provided on the left sidesurface or the right side surface of the main unit 2, it is possible toprevent a device inserted in the slot (e.g., a card storage medium) fromcoming off of the main unit 2, when the controller is attached to themain unit 2.

In the embodiment described above, connecting portions (i.e., the upperleft portion and the lower left portion) between the first side surface(i.e., the left side surface) of the four side surfaces of the leftcontroller 3 and side surfaces adjacent thereto (i.e., the upper sidesurface and the lower side surface) have a more rounded shape thanconnecting portions (i.e., the upper right portion and the lower rightportion) between the second side surface (i.e., the right side surface)opposite from the first side surface and side surfaces adjacent thereto(i.e., the upper side surface and the lower side surface) (see FIG. 5).Moreover, connecting portions between the third side surface (i.e., theright side surface) of the four side surfaces of the right controller 4and side surfaces adjacent thereto (i.e., the upper side surface and thelower side surface) have a more rounded shape than connecting portions(i.e., the upper side surface and the lower side surface) between thefourth side surface (i.e., the left side surface) opposite from thethird side surface and side surfaces adjacent thereto (see FIG. 6).Thus, the controller has a rounded shape on one side thereof, and it istherefore easy for a user to understand the orientation in which to holdthe controller removed from the main unit 2. This also makes it easierfor a user to hold the controller removed from the main unit 2.

Moreover, in the embodiment described above, the left controller 3 isattached to the main unit 2 with the second side surface of the leftcontroller 3 facing the fifth side surface (i.e., the left side surface)of the four side surfaces of the main unit 2 (see FIG. 2). Moreover, theright controller 4 is attached to the main unit 2 with the fourth sidesurface of the right controller 4 facing the sixth side surface (i.e.,the right side surface) opposite from the fifth side surface of the mainunit 2 (see FIG. 2).

Then, with the controllers 3 and 4 attached to the main unit 2 (see FIG.1), the information processing device 1 will have an overall shape suchthat the left side and the right side thereof are rounded, making iteasier for a user to hold. The left side of the left controller 3 ismore rounded than the right side thereof, whereas the right side of theright controller 4 is more rounded than the left side thereof (FIG. 5and FIG. 6). Thus, since the left controller 3 has a different overallshape than that of the right controller 4, it is possible to reduce thepossibility that a user mistakes the left and right controllers for eachother when attaching them to the main unit 2.

In the embodiment described above, the right controller 4 includes aninput section having a first function that the left controller 3 doesnot have (in the embodiment described above, the plus button 57, thehome button 58 and the infrared image-capturing section 123). In otherwords, in the embodiment described above, the left controller 3 includesone or more input sections having a predetermined number of types offunctions (13 in the embodiment described above, including nine buttons,the analog stick 32, the acceleration sensor 104 and the angularvelocity sensor 105). In contrast, the right controller 4 includes oneor more input sections having a number (different from the predeterminednumber) of types of functions (15 in the embodiment described above,including 11 buttons, the analog stick 52, the acceleration sensor 114,the angular velocity sensor 115 and the infrared image-capturing section123). Thus, when each controller has some functions that the othercontroller does not have (as compared with a case in which thecontrollers both have the same functions), it is possible to simplifythe configuration of the controllers.

Note that the “input section having the first function” may be animage-capturing device (e.g., the infrared image-capturing section 123)or a button. The button may be a button having a particular function(e.g., a power button or a home button), for example.

In the embodiment described above, the left controller 3 includes inputsections having the second function different from the first function(e.g., the analog stick 32 and the buttons 33 to 38 in the embodimentdescribed above), and the right controller 4 includes input sectionshaving the second function (e.g., the analog stick 52 and the buttons 53to 56, 60 and 61 in the embodiment described above). Then, a user canuse the second function on either controller, thereby improving thecontrollability, whereas the first function is omitted for one of thecontrollers, thereby simplifying the configuration of the controller.

In the embodiment described above, communication between the main unit 2and a controller when the controller is attached to the main unit 2 usesa first communication scheme (specifically, wired communication), andcommunication between the main unit 2 and a controller when thecontroller is removed from the main unit 2 uses a second communicationscheme (specifically, wireless communication) different from the firstcommunication scheme. Then, by changing the communication scheme betweenwhen the controller is attached to the main unit 2 and when thecontroller is removed from the main unit 2, the controller cancommunicate in either case. The controller can easily communicate withthe main unit 2 in wired communication when it is attached to the mainunit 2, and the controller can communicate with the main unit 2 inwireless communication when it is removed from the main unit 2.

In the embodiment described above, the wired communication between themain unit and the controller is a communication connection via a wiredcommunication channel formed by electrically connecting the firstterminal of the main unit 2 (specifically, the left-side terminal 17 orthe right-side terminal 21) and the second terminal of the controller(specifically, the terminal 42 or 64). The wired communication as usedherein means communication via a cable connection between devices, andalso means communication via a connection between a terminal (e.g., aconnector) of one device and a terminal (e.g., a connector) of the otherdevice.

In the embodiment described above, when the controller is attached tothe main unit 2, the first terminal of the main unit 2 (i.e., theleft-side terminal 17 or the right-side terminal 21) and the secondterminal of the controller (i.e., the terminal 42 or 64) areelectrically connected to each other by being in contact with eachother. Then, when the controller is attached to the main unit 2, wiredcommunication and/or power supply are implemented via the terminalsconnected together.

In the embodiment described above, when the controller is attached tothe main unit 2, the first terminal of the main unit 2 and the secondterminal of the controller are electrically connected together, and thecommunication between the main unit 2 and the controller and the powersupply from the main unit 2 to the controller are implemented via thefirst terminal and the second terminal. Then, it is possible to increasethe opportunity to charge the controller and thus to reduce thepossibility of the controller running out of battery. When a userattaches controllers to the main unit 2 so as to use the informationprocessing device 1 as an integral portable device, the controllers canbe charged without the user knowing. Therefore, the user does not needto perform a separate operation for charging the controller, thus savingthe trouble for the user.

In the embodiment described above, the information processing device 1includes a first sensing section (e.g., the CPU 81 executing step S3)for sensing the attachment of the left controller 3 to the main unit 2,and a second sensing section (e.g., the CPU 81 executing step S3) forsensing the attachment of the right controller 4 to the main unit 2. Themain unit 2 registers a pair of a left controller and a right controllerbased on the sensing results from the first sensing section and thesecond sensing section (see step S4). Therefore, a user can register apair through a straightforward, easy operation of attaching twocontrollers, to be used as a pair, to the main unit 2.

In the embodiment described above, when the left controller 3 and theright controller 4 are attached to the main unit 2, the main unit 2registers the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 attachedthereto as a pair (see step S3, S4). Thus, a user can register a pair ofcontrollers through a straightforward operation.

Note that the first sensing section and the second sensing section mayor may not simultaneously sense the attachment of the controllers to themain unit 2. That is, two controllers that are not at the same timeattached to the main unit 2 may be registered as a pair.

The main unit 2 may execute a predetermined information process based onoperation data received from two pairs of controllers. For example, themain unit 2 receives operation data from each of a left controller and aright controller that are registered as a first pair, and receivesoperation data from each of a left controller and a right controllerthat are registered as a second pair. The main unit 2 may execute apredetermined information process using, as a set of data, operationdata received from controllers that are registered as a first pair, andusing, as another set of data, operation data received from controllersthat are registered as a second pair. Then, the information processingdevice can use operation data from a plurality of controllers whiledistinguishing between operation data from different registered pairs.

In the embodiment described above, when receiving operation data fromeach of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 that areremoved from the main unit 2 and registered as a pair, the main unit 2executes a predetermined information process using the two pieces ofoperation data received as a set of data (see FIG. 37(b)). Thus, a usercan perform operations using controllers registered as a pair. Forexample, a user can control one object by using a pair of controllers.

In the embodiment described above, the main unit 2 includes the housing11 provided with a first engagement portion (which can also be referredto as the attachment and detachment mechanism; specifically, the leftrail member 15) to be engaged with the housing (specifically, the slider40 provided on the housing 31) of the left controller 3, and a secondengagement portion (specifically, the right rail member 19) to beengaged with the housing (specifically, the slider 62 provided on thehousing 51) of the right controller 4.

In the above description, the first engagement portion and the secondengagement portion are to be engaged with controller housings (includingmembers provided on the housings), and are not to be engaged withconnectors of the controllers. That is, in the present embodiment, themain unit 2 is configured so that controllers can be attached to anddetached from the main unit 2 by the method of engaging the engagementportions with the controllers, which is different from the method ofconnecting the connectors of the main unit 2 with those of thecontrollers (the engagement method and the method of connecting theconnectors may be both used at the same time). Then, the main unit 2 andthe controllers can be firmly connected together.

Note that in other embodiments, the main unit 2 may include only oneengagement portion to be engaged with the housing of the controller ormay include three or more engagement portions.

In the embodiment described above, the left controller 3 includes thehousing 31 provided with a third engagement portion (specifically, theslider 40) to be engaged with the first engagement portion of the mainunit 2. The right controller 4 includes the housing 51 provided with afourth engagement portion (specifically, the slider 62) to be engagedwith the second engagement portion of the main unit 2. Thus, members areprovided also on the controller side, which members are to be engagedwith the engagement portions on the main unit 2 side are provided, andit is therefore possible to more firmly connect the main unit 2 and thecontrollers together.

In the embodiment described above, the main unit 2 selectively outputsthe execution result of the information process to either the display(the display 12) or a display device (the TV 6) separate from the mainunit 2 (see FIG. 44). This enables two different modes of use, includinga mode in which images are displayed on the display of the main unit 2,and another mode in which images are displayed on a display deviceseparate from the main unit 2.

In the embodiment described above, the engagement portion of the mainunit 2 is a rail member (referred to also as the first slide member)provided on a surface of the housing 11 of the main unit 2. Thecontroller includes a slider (referred to also as the second slidemember) which slidably and detachably engages with the rail member. Inthe embodiment described above, the rail member and the slider togetherform a slide mechanism (see FIG. 7). Thus, the slide mechanism allowsfor firm locking between the main unit 2 and the controllers and allowsfor easy attachment and detachment of the controllers.

In the embodiment described above, the rail member is formed so that theslider can slidably engage with the rail member in a predetermineddirection (specifically, the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1), and sothat the slider can be inserted and detached into and from the railmember via one end thereof in the predetermined direction (see FIG. 2).Thus, it is possible to easily attach and detach controllers to and fromthe main unit 2 via the end.

Moreover, in the embodiment described above, the rail member is providedso as to extend in the up-down direction of the main unit 2 so that theslider can be inserted and detached into and from the rail member viathe upper end thereof (see FIG. 2). Thus, controllers can beconveniently attached and detached to and from the main unit 2 while themain unit 2 is placed upright. For example, in the present embodiment,controllers can be attached and detached to and from the main unit 2while the main unit 2 is attached to the cradle 5.

In the embodiment described above, the slide member of the main unit 2is provided so as to extend generally over the entirety (e.g., so thatthe length of the slide member is at least one 80% or more of the lengthof the housing 11 of the main unit 2) of a surface of the housing 11 ofthe main unit 2 in a predetermined direction (specifically, the up-downdirection) (see FIG. 3). Thus, when a controller is attached to the mainunit 2, the controller is connected generally over the entirety of theaforementioned surface of the main unit 2, thereby allowing thecontroller to be firmly connected to the main unit 2.

In the embodiment described above, the first slide member of the mainunit 2 (i.e., the rail member) has a C-shaped cross section, and thesecond slide member of the controller (i.e., the slider) has a T-shapedcross section. Note that in other embodiments, the first slide member ofthe main unit 2 may have a T-shaped cross section, and the second slidemember of the controller may have a C-shaped cross section.

In the embodiment described above, the controller includes a terminal(e.g., the terminal 42 or 64) for communication with the main unit 2.The main unit 2 includes a terminal (i.e., the left-side terminal 17 orthe right-side terminal 21) provided on the housing 11 at such alocation that allows the terminal to be connected to a terminal of acontroller when the controller is attached to the main unit 2. Thus,when the controller is attached to the main unit 2, the terminals areconnected together, enabling wired communication.

In the embodiment described above, the information processing device 1can be said to be a game system capable of executing game applications.When at least the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 areremoved from the main unit 2 (in other words, when the two controllersare both removed from the main unit 2), the left controller 3 and theright controller 4 each transmit operation data representing operationsperformed on the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 to themain unit 2 via wireless communication. Thus, in the embodimentdescribed above, it is possible to provide a novel game system that canbe used with two controllers removed.

In the embodiment described above, the information processing device 1can be said to be a hand-held information processing device including amain section (i.e., the main unit 2) having a display (i.e., the display12), a first controller section (i.e., the left controller 3) and asecond controller section (i.e., the right controller 4) for performinga predetermined information process in response to an operationperformed on either the first controller section or the secondcontroller section. When the first controller section and the secondcontroller section are removed from the main section, the main unit 2performs a predetermined information process based on operation datarepresenting an operation performed on either the first controllersection or the second controller section, and displays the results ofthe information process on the display. Thus, in the embodimentdescribed above, it is possible to provide a novel informationprocessing device that can be used in a mode in which two controllersections are removed.

In the above description, the first controller section and the secondcontroller section are arranged so that when the first controllersection is attached to the main section, a user (i.e., the user holdingthe information processing device) can operate the first controllersection with one hand and operate the second controller section with theother hand (see FIG. 33). Thus, it is possible to provide a novelinformation processing device that can be used both in a mode in whichthe controller sections are attached to the main section and in a modein which the controller sections are removed from the main section.

The information processing system of the present embodiment includes themain unit 2, and controllers (specifically, the left controller 3 andthe right controller 4; referred to also as controller devices) that canbe attached to and detached from the main unit 2. The main unit 2includes the display 12 (referred to also as the display). Whencontrollers are attached to the main unit 2, the main unit 2 candisplay, on the display 12, images that are obtained based on operationsperformed on the controllers. When the controllers are removed from themain unit 2, the main unit 2 can display, on an external display device(specifically, the TV 6) separate from the main unit 2, images that areobtained based on operations performed on the controllers. Note that inthe above description, there may be one controller that can be attachedto the main unit or there may be a plurality of controllers that can beattached to the main unit.

As described above, the information processing device 1 can be used bothin a mode in which controllers are attached to the main unit 2 and in amode in which the controllers are removed from the main unit. Thus,since a plurality of modes of use are realized with a single informationprocessing device 1, the information processing device 1 can be used ina wider variety of manners. As described above, when the controllers areremoved from the main unit 2, an external display device can be used asthe display device. Thus, a user can provide, as the external displaydevice, a display device having a larger screen size than the display12, so that it is possible to display the images on a larger screen.

In the embodiment described above, the information processing system cancommunicate with the TV 6, and further includes the cradle 5 (referredto also as an add-on device) to and from which the main unit 2 can beattached and detached. The main unit 2 detects the attachment of themain unit 2 to the cradle 5, and determines whether the images obtainedbased on operations performed on the controllers is displayed on thedisplay 12 or displayed on the TV 6 based at least on the detectionresults (step S21, S25, S29). Thus, the main unit 2 can determine theimage display output based on whether or not the main unit 2 is attachedto the cradle 5.

Note that in the above description, there is no particular limitation onthe method for determining the image display output. As in theembodiment described above, the main unit 2 may select the TV 6 as theimage display output at least on the condition that the main unit 2 isattached to the cradle 5. In other embodiments, the main unit 2 mayselect the TV 6 as the image display output when the main unit 2 isattached to the cradle 5. That is, the main unit 2 may output the imagesto the TV 6 via the cradle 5 in response to the attachment of the mainunit 2 to the cradle 5.

In other embodiments, the main unit 2 may be capable of communicatingdirectly with the TV 6. For example, the main unit 2 and the TV 6 may becapable of communicating with each other in wireless communication. Alsoin such a case, as in the embodiment described above, the main unit 2may determine the image display output based on the attached state ofthe main unit 2 to the cradle 5.

The add-on device (e.g., the cradle) may be any add-on device to andfrom which the main unit 2 can be attached and detached. The add-ondevice may or may not have the function of charging the main unit 2, asin the present embodiment.

In the embodiment described above, the cradle 5 is enabled tocommunicate with the main unit 2 at least on the condition that the mainunit 2 is attached thereto. If the main unit 2 has determined to displaythe images based on operations performed on the controllers on the TV 6,the main unit 2 outputs the images to the TV 6 via the cradle 5. Thus,the main unit 2 can display the images on the TV 6 by outputting theimages to the TV 6 via the cradle 5. Therefore, the main unit 2 does notneed to communicate with the TV 6, thereby simplifying the configurationof the main unit 2.

The information processing system of the embodiment described aboveincludes the main unit 2, the left controller 3 (referred to also as thefirst controller device), the right controller 4 (referred to also asthe second controller device), and an accessory (e.g., the extensiongrip 210 or the attachment 220). The left controller 3 can be attachedto and detached from the main unit 2 or the accessory. The rightcontroller 4 can be attached to and detached from the main unit 2 or theaccessory. The main unit 2 includes the display 12 (referred to also asthe display), and displays, on the display 12, the execution result of apredetermined information process based on operations performed on theleft controller 3 and the right controller 4. The left controller 3 andthe right controller 4 can be attached to the accessory at the same time(see FIG. 52). Thus, by using the accessory, a user can hold the twocontrollers 3 and 4, removed from the main unit 2, as an integral unit.That is, it is possible to improve the controllability of thecontrollers when removed from the main unit 2.

In the embodiment described above, the left controller 3 is attached tothe accessory on the left side of the center of the accessory, and theright controller 4 is attached to the accessory on the right side of thecenter of the accessory (see FIG. 52, FIG. 53). Thus, a user can operatethe left controller 3 attached to the accessory with the left hand, andoperate the right controller 4 attached to the accessory with the righthand. That is, a user can operate the controllers in a similar fashionto that when the controllers are not attached to the accessory, therebyproviding an accessory having a good controllability.

In the embodiment described above, the accessory includes a first gripportion (i.e., the left grip portion 212) provided on the left side anda second grip portion (i.e., the right grip portion 213) provided on theright side. Then, a user can operate the controllers while holding thegrip portions respectively with the left hand and the right hand,thereby providing an accessory having a good controllability.

In the embodiment described above, the first grip portion is provided onthe left side of the area where the left controller 3 is attached. Thesecond grip portion is provided on the right side of the area where theright controller 4 is attached (see FIG. 52). Therefore, by holding thegrip portions, a user can easily operate the controllers 3 and 4attached to the accessory.

(Functions/Effects Regarding Controller Terminals, Etc.)

In the embodiment described above, a game controller (e.g., the leftcontroller 3 or the right controller 4) is removably attachable to amain unit (e.g., the main unit 2) having a main unit-side slide member(e.g., the left rail member 300) and configured to execute a gameprocess.

The game controller includes:

-   -   an operation section (e.g., the analog stick 32, 52, the        operation buttons 33 to 39, 43, 44, 46, 47, 53 to 61, 65, 66,        69); and    -   a controller-side slide member (e.g., the slider 311, 331)        protruding from a first surface of the game controller and        configured to slidably engage with the main unit-side slide        member in a slide direction (e.g., the up-down direction shown        in FIG. 14, i.e., the y-axis direction).

The controller-side slide member has a first end and a second end in theslide direction, and the game controller is configured to be attached tothe main unit by inserting the controller-side slide member into themain unit-side slide member from the first end (e.g., the lower end ofthe slider 331 shown in FIG. 14, i.e., the end on the y-axis negativedirection side).

The controller-side slide member includes:

-   -   a protruding portion (e.g., the protruding portion 321)        protruding from the first end side of the controller-side slide        member in the slide direction and having a facing surface (e.g.,        the facing surface 321 a) that faces the first surface (e.g.,        the right side surface of the left controller 3 or the left side        surface of the right controller 4) of the game controller; and    -   at least one terminal (e.g., the terminal 42, 64) between the        facing surface and the first surface, wherein the terminal is        configured to be electrically connected to the main unit.

Thus, the game controller can be easily attached to the main unit bymeans of the slide mechanism, and it is therefore possible to provide agame controller having a high usability. Then, a user can also connectterminals together through the operation of inserting and sliding thecontroller-side slide member against the main unit-side slide member.Therefore, a user can easily perform the attachment operation, whichincludes the operation of connecting terminals together. With theprovision of the protruding portion on the controller-side slide member,it is possible to reduce the possibility that the terminals come intocontact with a hand of a user or other objects, thereby alwaysprotecting the terminals.

The term “slide member” may refer to the rail member or the slider asused in the embodiment described above. Note that in the embodimentdescribed above, a slide member provided on the main unit 2 side and aslide member provided on the controller side are referred to as a “railmember” and a “slider”, respectively, so that these members can easilybe distinguished from each other. The shape of the rail member and thatof the slider are not limited to those of the embodiment describedabove. For example, a slide member having a cross section shaped asshown in FIG. 11 may be referred to as a “slider”, and a slide memberhaving a T-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 22 may be referred toas a “rail member”.

Moreover, a slide member is not limited to those that have a shapeelongated in the slide direction, as does the rail member or the sliderof the embodiment described above. FIG. 61 is a diagram showing anotherexample slide member provided on the main unit. The main unit 2 mayinclude a slide member 371 shown in FIG. 61, instead of the rail memberof the embodiment described above.

As shown in FIG. 61, the slide member 371 includes an upper slide member371 a provided on an upper portion of the left side surface of the mainunit 2, and a lower slide member 371 b provided on a lower portion ofthe left side surface of the main unit 2. Each of the slide members 371a and 371 b includes a bottom surface portion, a side surface portionand a top surface portion, as does the left rail member 300 describedabove. Therefore, each of the slide members 371 a and 371 b slidablyengages with the slider 311 as the slider 311 of the left controller 3is inserted into the groove formed by the bottom surface portion and theside surface portion. With the slider 311 inserted in the groove of theslide members 371 a and 371 b, the slider 311 is securely locked by thetop surface portion so as not to come off in the direction perpendicularto the slide direction. The lower slide member 371 b includes a facingportion similar to that of the left rail member 300 described above.Therefore, when the slider 311 is inserted into the groove of the slidemembers 371 a and 371 b, the slider 311 can be slid to a position atwhich the slider 311 is in contact with the facing portion, and theslide movement is limited to this position. Thus, the slide member 371shown in FIG. 61 can also slidably engage with the slider 311 of theleft controller 3, as does the left rail member 300.

FIG. 62 is a diagram showing another example slide member provided onthe right controller 4. The right controller 4 may include a slidemember 373 shown in FIG. 62, instead of the slider 331 of the embodimentdescribed above.

As shown in FIG. 62, the slide member 373 includes an upper slide member373 a provided on an upper portion of the left side surface of the rightcontroller 4, and a lower slide member 373 b provided on a lower portionof the left side surface of the right controller 4. Each of the slidemembers 373 a and 373 b includes a shaft and a top surface portionsimilar to those of the slider 331 described above. Therefore, the slidemembers 373 a and 373 b slidably engage with the left rail member 300 bybeing inserted into the left rail member 300 of the main unit 2. Withthe slide members 373 a and 373 b inserted in the groove of the leftrail member 300, the slide members 373 a and 373 b is securely locked bythe top surface portion so as not to come off in the directionperpendicular to the slide direction. Thus, the slide member 373 shownin FIG. 62 can also slidably engage with the left rail member 300 of themain unit 2, as does the slider 331.

As described above, a slide member does not need to be formed by asingle member extending in the slide direction, but may be formed by aplurality of members arranged with each other in the slide direction.Note that when a slide member is formed by a plurality of members, theupper end of the slide member refers to the upper end of one of theplurality of members that is located uppermost, and the lower end of theslide member refers to the lower end of another one of the plurality ofmembers that is located lowermost. In this case, the center of a slidemember in a predetermined direction refers to the central positiontherebetween the opposite ends in the predetermined direction of theslide member including a plurality of members. For example, the centerof the slide member in the up-down direction refers to the centralposition between the upper end position of the uppermost one of theplurality of members and the lower end position of the lowermost one ofthe plurality of members.

A slide member may be formed as an integral unit with the housing of adevice (e.g., the main unit 2 or the controller) on which the slidemember is provided. For example, although the bottom surface of theslide member is separate from the housing of the device on which theslide member is provided in the embodiment described above, the housingof the device on which the slide member is provided may be the bottomsurface of the slide member in other embodiments. For example, for themain unit 2, the side surface portion 302 of the rail member describedabove may be provided directly on the side surface of the housing 11 ofthe main unit 2. Moreover, the side surface portion may be formed as anintegral unit with the housing 11. In other embodiments, the sidesurface of the housing and the bottom surface portion of the rail membermay together form the bottom surface of the slide member. For example,with the extension grip 350 (FIG. 54) of the embodiment described above,the bottom surface of the slide member is formed by the bottom surfaceportion of the left rail member 356 and the housing (of the supportsection 352) exposed through the hole 356 a formed in the bottom surfaceportion together (see FIG. 55).

The terminal may be provided so that at least a portion thereof liesbetween the facing surface and the first surface, and it is not limitedto the embodiment in which it is provided on the facing surface as inthe embodiment described above. FIG. 63 is a diagram showing an exampleterminal arrangement in other embodiments. In other embodiments, theterminal 42 may be arranged as shown in FIG. 63, instead of thearrangement of the terminal 42 shown in FIG. 15. In FIG. 63, theterminal 42 is provided at a position away from the facing surface inthe left-right direction (i.e., the x-axis direction). In FIG. 63, asurface of the terminal 42 that is facing toward the first surface is incontact with the left-side terminal 17 (as in the embodiment describedabove). The position of the left-side terminal 17 of the main unit 2 isadjusted in accordance with the arrangement of the terminal 42 shown inFIG. 63. That is, since the terminal 42 in FIG. 63 is shifted in thex-axis negative direction as compared with the terminal 42 shown in FIG.15, the left-side terminal 17 of the main unit 2 is accordingly shiftedin the x-axis negative direction from the position shown in FIG. 12.Note that in other embodiments, a surface of the terminal 42 that isfacing toward the facing surface 321 a may be in contact with theleft-side terminal 17. In FIG. 63, the facing surface 321 a may or maynot include the slots 321 b.

As in the embodiment described above and the example shown in FIG. 63,the terminal may be provided so that at least a portion of a surface (ofthe terminal) that is facing toward the first surface of the controllerlies between the facing surface and the first surface (in this case, thesurface of the terminal facing toward the facing surface may be arrangedbetween the facing surface and the first surface or may be arranged onthe inner side of the protruding portion). Then, with the provision ofthe protruding portion, it is possible to reduce the possibility that asurface of the terminal to be in contact with another terminal comesinto contact with a hand of a user or other objects, thereby efficientlyprotecting the terminal.

In the embodiment described above, the terminal extends along the facingsurface. Then, since the terminal is arranged closer to the facingsurface, it is possible to more efficiently protect the terminal.

In the embodiment described above, the terminal is on the facingsurface. Then, since the terminal is arranged closer to the opposingsurface, it is possible to more efficiently protect the terminal.

In the embodiment described above, the terminal is configured to flexinto a slot in the facing surface. Then, it is possible to reduce theforce to act upon a terminal when the terminal comes into contact withanother terminal.

In the embodiment described above, a side of the terminal that faces thefirst surface is exposed. Then, the terminal can come into contact withanother terminal (e.g., the left-side terminal 17 of the main unit 2 orthe right-side terminal 21), using a surface of the terminal that facesthe first surface.

In the embodiment described above, the protruding portion includes awall (e.g., the wall portion 322) on the facing surface that protrudesfrom the facing surface, the wall being on one side or on both sides ofthe terminal with respect to a direction substantially perpendicular tothe slide direction (e.g., the z-axis direction shown in FIG. 15). Then,it is possible with the wall to reduce the possibility that the terminalcomes into contact with a hand of a user or other objects, thereby morereliably protecting the terminal.

In the embodiment described above, an inner wall of the wall facing theterminal flares away from the terminal in a direction that is toward adistal end of the protruding portion (FIG. 16). Then, the inner wallprovides alignment between the main unit and the game controller, makingit easier for the terminal of the main unit and the terminal of the gamecontroller to properly come into contact with each other.

In the embodiment described above, a distal end of the terminal isbetween a center of the controller-side slide member and a distal end(e.g., the distal end of the distal end portion 323 shown in FIG. 15) ofthe protruding portion (FIG. 15, FIG. 16). Then, since there is a gapbetween the distal end of the protruding portion and the distal end ofthe terminal, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that theterminal comes into contact with a hand of a user or other objects,thereby more reliably protecting the terminal.

In the embodiment described above, the protruding portion is taperedtoward the distal end (FIG. 15). Then, the end portion providesalignment between the main unit and the game controller, making iteasier for the terminal of the main unit and the terminal of the gamecontroller to properly come into contact with each other.

In the embodiment described above, an end portion of the protrudingportion has a second surface (e.g., the slope 323 a shown in FIG. 15)that is sloped away from the first surface toward the distal end of theprotruding portion. Then, the end portion provides alignment between themain unit and the game controller, making it easier for the terminal ofthe main unit and the terminal of the game controller to properly comeinto contact with each other.

In the embodiment described above, an intersection between the facingsurface and a second surface at the distal end may be a chamfer. Then,the intersection provides smooth alignment between the main unit and thegame controller.

In the embodiment described above, the terminal is one of a plurality(e.g., ten) of terminals between the facing surface and the firstsurface. The plurality of terminals are arranged next to each other in adirection that is substantially parallel to the facing surface andsubstantially perpendicular to the slide direction (e.g., the z-axisdirection shown in FIG. 16), the terminals being exposed on one side(e.g., the y-axis negative direction side shown in FIG. 16) thatcorresponds to the first end side of the controller-side slide member.This makes it easier for the terminals of the game controller to comeinto contact with the terminals of the main unit which come from thefirst end side.

The operation section is on a front surface (e.g., the surface on thez-axis negative direction side shown in FIG. 14) of the game controller.The first surface is a side surface (e.g., the right side surface of theleft controller 3 or the left side surface of the right controller 4)relative to the front surface. Then, with the game controller attachedto the main unit, a user can easily operate the operation sectionprovided on the front surface of the game controller.

In the embodiment described above, the controller-side slide member is arail extending substantially parallel to the slide direction (e.g., theslider 311 shown in FIG. 14 or the slider 331 shown in FIG. 25). Then,the game controller can be easily attached to the main unit by insertingthe rail into the main unit-side slide member.

In the embodiment described above, the rail extends from near a firstend (e.g., the upper end of the left controller 3 shown in FIG. 14) tonear a second end (e.g., the lower end of the left controller 3 shown inFIG. 14) of the first surface in the slide direction. Then, the gamecontroller can be connected firmly to the main unit, and it is possibleto reduce the possibility that the game controller comes off the mainunit.

In the embodiment described above, a cross section of thecontroller-side slide member taken perpendicular to the slide directionhas a shape where a width of a first portion adjacent to the firstsurface (e.g., the length of the shaft 325 in the z-axis direction shownin FIG. 21) is narrower than a width of a second portion that is fartheraway from the first surface than the first portion (e.g., the length ofthe top surface portion 326 in the z-axis direction shown in FIG. 21).Then, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the controller-sideslide member comes off the main unit-side slide member in the directionperpendicular to the slide direction.

In the embodiment described above, a protruding portion protruding inthe slide direction is absent at the second end of the controller-sideslide member (e.g., the upper end of the slider 331 shown in FIG. 14,i.e., the end on the y-axis positive direction side). Then, even if thecontroller-side slide member is inserted into the main unit-side slidemember from the second end, it is possible to reduce the possibilitythat the controller-side slide member contacts and damages members(e.g., terminals, etc.) of the main unit.

In the embodiment described above, an end surface of the controller-sideslide member at the second end is a flat surface extending from thefirst surface. Then, even if the controller-side slide member isinserted into the main unit-side slide member from the second end, it ispossible to reduce the possibility that the controller-side slide membercontacts and damages members (e.g., terminals, etc.) of the main unit.

In the embodiment described above, the game controller further includesa stop member (e.g., the stop member 319 or 339) that resists a slidemovement of the controller-side slide member against the main unit-sideslide member in a direction opposite to a direction in which thecontroller-side slide member is inserted into the main unit-side slidemember when the controller-side slide member has been inserted up to apredetermined position into the main unit-side slide member (e.g., inthe attached state described above). Then, it is possible with the stopmember to reduce the possibility that the controller-side slide membercomes off the main unit-side slide member.

In the embodiment described above, the game controller further includesa stop member (e.g., the stop member 319 or 339) configured to stop themain unit-side slide member when the controller-side slide member hasbeen inserted up to a predetermined position into the main unit-sideslide member (e.g., in the attached state described above), wherein thestop member protrudes from the controller-side slide member in adirection that is perpendicular to the slide direction and parallel tothe first surface (e.g., the z-axis direction shown in FIG. 21). Then,it is possible with the stop member to reduce the possibility that thecontroller-side slide member comes off the main unit-side slide member.

In the embodiment described above, the stop member is on the second endside (e.g., the upper end side shown in FIG. 14, i.e., the y-axispositive direction side) of a center of the controller-side slide memberin the slide direction. Then, the stop member does not come into contactwith the main unit unless the controller-side slide member is insertedto a certain degree into the main unit-side slide member, thereby makingit less easy for the stop member to come into contact with the mainunit. That is, it is possible to make it easier for the controller-sideslide member to be moved smoothly into the main unit-side slide member.

In the embodiment described above, the stop member protrudes from thefirst surface of the game controller (see FIG. 22) or from a sidesurface of the controller-side slide member substantially perpendicularto the first surface (see FIG. 21). Then, it is possible to reduce thepossibility that the stop member is damaged by being in contact withother objects.

In the embodiment described above, the terminal is on the facing surface(see FIG. 15, FIG. 16). A surface on a reverse side of the protrudingportion of the facing surface comprises a metal member (e.g., thereinforcement member 312 or 332) over at least a part of an area wherethe terminal is on the facing surface, and a remaining portion of theprotruding portion comprises a resin member. Then, it is possible toincrease the mechanical strength of the protruding portion(specifically, a portion where the terminal is provided).

In the embodiment described above, the game controller further includesan insulator (e.g., the insulation sheet 316) between the terminal andthe metal member. Then, it is possible to reduce the possibility thatthe terminal is electrically affected by the metal member, and it istherefore possible to improve the accuracy of communication between thegame controller and the main unit.

In the embodiment described above, the game controller further includesa water-resisting member (e.g., the insulation sheet 316) between theterminal and the metal member. Then, it is possible to reduce thepossibility that water touches the terminal to deteriorate (i.e., rust)the terminal.

In the embodiment described above, the game controller further includesan electronic circuit (e.g., the electronic circuit 318) including aground portion (e.g., the ground land portion 318 b). The terminal is aground terminal electrically connected to the ground portion. The metalmember further includes a ground connecting portion (e.g., the groundconnection portion 312 d) electrically connected to the ground portion.Then, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the metal member beingelectrically charged, and it is therefore possible to reduce thepossibility that the terminal is electrically affected by the metalmember. It is therefore possible to improve the accuracy ofcommunication between the game controller and the main unit.

In the embodiment described above, the game controller has sidesurfaces. The first surface is one of the side surfaces (e.g., the rightside surface of the left controller 3 or the left side surface of theright controller 4). The operation section includes a first inputsection (e.g., the first L button 38, the ZL button 39, the first Rbutton 60 or the ZR button 61) on one of the side surfaces thatcorresponds to the second end side in the slide direction (e.g., theupper end side shown in FIG. 14, i.e., the y-axis positive directionside). Then, the game controller can easily be attached to the main unitin a case in which a user holds a game controller in such a manner(e.g., the manner shown in FIG. 33) that the first input section isoperated using the index finger.

In the embodiment described above, the controller-side slide member isconfigured to be inserted into the main unit-side member on at least oneof left and right side surfaces relative to a surface of the main unit(e.g., the front surface of the main unit 2) that includes a display(e.g., the display 12) (see FIG. 3) and from an upper side of the mainunit-side slide member (see FIG. 2). Then, the game controller can beattached to and detached from the main unit while the main unit is putdown, and it is possible to improve the usability of the informationprocessing device including the main unit and the game controller.

In the embodiment described above, the operation section includes adirectional input section (e.g., the analog stick 32 or 52) enablinginputs of at least four directions of up, down, left and right. Thus,the game controller includes a directional input section with which itis possible to easily make directional inputs, thereby improving theinput function of the information processing device.

In the embodiment described above, the directional input section outputsa two-dimensional value representing a direction and a quantity thathave been input (e.g., the direction and the magnitude corresponding tothe tilt direction and the tilt amount of the stick member of the analogstick). Thus, the game controller includes a directional input sectionwith which it is possible to make detailed directional inputs, therebyimproving the input function of the information processing device.

In the embodiment described above, the directional input section is aninput device including an input member (e.g., the stick member of theanalog stick) that is configured to be tilted or slid, from a referenceposition, in at least four directions of up, down, left and right. Thus,the game controller includes a directional input section with which itis possible to more easily make directional inputs, thereby improvingthe input function of the information processing device.

In the embodiment described above, the operation section includes asave-an-image input section (e.g., the record button 37) for giving aninstruction to save an image being displayed on the display (e.g., thedisplay 12) of the main unit. Thus, the game controller has a functionof accepting an input instruction to save an image, thereby improvingthe usability of the information processing device.

In the embodiment described above, the game controller further includesan infrared image-capturing device (e.g., the infrared image-capturingsection 123). Thus, the game controller has the image-capturingfunction, thereby improving the usability of the information processingdevice.

In the embodiment described above, the operation section includes asecond input section (e.g., the second L button 43 or 65, the second Rbutton 44 or 66) on a surface of the controller-side slide member thatfaces the same direction as the first surface. Then, when the gamecontroller is removed from the main unit, the second input section canbe operated, and it is therefore possible to improve the usability ofthe information processing device. Moreover, an input section that isnot used when the game controller is attached to the main unit isprovided at such a position that the input section cannot be operatedwhen the game controller is attached to main unit, thereby efficientlyusing the area of a game controller and efficiently arranging inputsections on a game controller.

(Functions/Effects Regarding Stop Member of Controller)

In the embodiment described above, a game controller (e.g., the leftcontroller 3 or the right controller 4) is removabley attachable to amain unit (e.g., the main unit 2) having a main unit-side slide member(e.g., the left rail member 300) and configured to execute a gameprocess.

The game controller includes:

-   -   an operation section (e.g., the analog stick 32, 52, the        operation buttons 33 to 39, 43, 44, 46, 47, 53 to 61, 65, 66,        69); and    -   a controller-side slide member (e.g., the slider 311, 331)        protruding from a first surface of the game controller and        configured to slidably engage with the main unit-side slide        member in a slide direction (e.g., the up-down direction shown        in FIG. 14, i.e., the y-axis direction).

The controller-side slide member has a first end and a second end in theslide direction, and the game controller is configured to be attached tothe main unit by inserting the controller-side slide member into themain unit-side slide member from the first end (e.g., the lower end ofthe slider 331 shown in FIG. 14, i.e., the end on the y-axis negativedirection side).

The game controller includes a stop member (e.g., the stop member 319 or339) configured to resist a slide movement, in an opposite direction, ofthe controller-side slide member against the main unit-side slidemember, the opposite direction being a direction opposite to a directionin which the controller-side slide member is inserted into mainunit-side slide member.

The stop member is configured to protrude from the first surface of thegame controller (see FIG. 22) or from a side surface of thecontroller-side slide member, which side surface is substantiallyperpendicular to the first surface (see FIG. 21), and the stop member ison the second end side of a center of the controller-side slide memberin the slide direction (e.g., on the upper side of the slider 311 shownin FIG. 14).

Then, it is possible with the stop member to reduce the possibility thatthe controller-side slide member comes off the main unit-side slidemember. Since the stop member is allowed to protrude from the firstsurface or the side surface of the controller-side slide member, it ispossible to reduce the possibility that the stop member is damaged bybeing in contact with other objects. Moreover, since the stop member isprovided on the second end side of the center of the controller-sideslide member in the slide direction, it is possible to make it less easyfor the stop member to come into contact with the main unit. That is, itis possible to make it easier for the controller-side slide member to bemoved smoothly into the main unit-side slide member.

Note that “the stop member being allowed to protrude from a surface”means to include both the first embodiment in which the stop member maybe protruding from a surface (specifically, the protruding statedescribed above) or not protruding from a surface (specifically, theaccommodated state described above), and the second embodiment in whichthe stop member is always protruding from a surface. The secondembodiment is for example an embodiment in which the stop member canmove between (a) the protruding state described above, and (b) a statein which it is protruding from the surface but is closer to the surfacethan in the protruding state (in other words, a state in which the stopmember is not completely accommodated).

In the embodiment described above, the stop member is movable between afirst position (e.g., the position shown in FIG. 21(a)) and a secondposition (e.g., the position shown in FIG. 21(b)). The stop member inthe first position is more protruding from at least one of the firstsurface of the game controller and the side surface of thecontroller-side slide member as compared with the stop member in thesecond position. The stop member is biased toward a protruding state inthe first position. Then, when inserting the controller-side slidemember into the main unit-side slide member, the stop member moves intothe second position depending on the situation, thereby allowing thecontroller-side slide member to be inserted smoothly. With the stopmember being movable, it is possible to reduce the possibility that thestop member is damaged by being in contact with other objects.

In the embodiment described above, the stop member is configured to moveto a position, as the second position, at which the stop member is in anaccommodated state in which the stop member is accommodated inside thegame controller (FIG. 21(b)). Then, with the stop member in theaccommodated state, the controller-side slide member can be moresmoothly inserted into the main unit-side slide member. With the stopmember in the accommodated state, it is possible to further reduce thepossibility that the stop member is damaged by being in contact withother objects.

In the embodiment described above, the game controller further includesa movable member (e.g., the release button 313 or 333) that isconfigured to be moved by an operation by a user, wherein the stopmember is moved at least from the first position to the second positionin response to the movable member being operated by a user. Then, it ispossible, by a user operation, to weaken or release the engagement ofthe stop member. Thus, a user can easily perform the operation ofremoving the game controller from the main unit.

In the embodiment described above, the movable member is biased to beplaced at a reference position (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 27(a)),and is configured to move at least from the reference position inresponse to an operation by a user. The stop member is coupled to themovable member, and the stop member is in the first position when themovable member is placed at the reference position and the stop membercomes into the second position in response to the movable member movingfrom the reference position. Then, since the position of the movablemember changes depending on whether the stop member is in the firstposition or in the second position, a user can recognize the state ofthe stop member (i.e., whether it is in the first position or in thesecond position) depending on the position of the movable member.

In the embodiment described above, the stop member is formed so that atleast a portion of an end portion thereof on the first end side in theslide direction (e.g., the end portion having the slope 319 a shown inFIG. 23), a thickness of the stop member in a moving direction from thefirst position to the second position decreases toward a distal endthereof. Then, when inserting the controller-side slide member into themain unit-side slide member, the stop member 319 is unlikely to beinterfered by the main unit. Thus, the controller-side slide member canbe smoothly inserted into the main unit-side slide member.

In the embodiment described above, the movable member is on a surface ona reverse side of the front surface (of the game controller) (see FIG.14). Then, when a user holds the information processing device with thegame controller attached to the main unit, the user can easily operatethe movable member. Thus, it is possible to provide an informationprocessing device having a high usability and having a movable memberthat is easy to operate.

Note that in other embodiments, the movable member may be on the frontsurface (of the game controller). Then, when a user holds theinformation processing device with the game controller attached to themain unit, the user can see the movable member. Thus, it is possible toprovide an information processing device having a high usability andhaving a movable member that is easy to operate.

Note that in other embodiments, the movable member is on both the frontsurface (of the game controller) and on a surface on a reverse side ofthe front surface.

In the embodiment described above, the game controller further includesa projection in the vicinity of the movable member of the gamecontroller, wherein the projection (e.g., the projection portion 314 or334 and/or the ZL button 39 or the ZR button 61) projects past a surfacethat the movable member is on. Then, it is possible with the projectionto reduce the possibility that the movable member is operated in error.Thus, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the erroneousoperation of the movable member releases the engagement of the stopmember, resulting in the game controller being removed from the mainunit.

The embodiment described above the projection is a button (i.e., the ZLbutton 39 or the ZR button 61).

In the embodiment described above, the game controller includes adepressed portion (e.g., the depressed portion H shown in FIG. 21)defined by the first surface and the controller-side slide member so asto have a C-shaped cross section along a direction perpendicular to theslide direction. The stop member, in the protruding state, protrudesfrom at least one of surfaces defining the depressed portion (FIG. 21 orFIG. 22). Then, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the stopmember is damaged by being in contact with other objects.

In the embodiment described above, the stop member does not protrude outof a space in the depressed portion into a space outside the gamecontroller in the protruding state (FIG. 21 or FIG. 22). Then, it ispossible to further reduce the possibility that the stop member isdamaged by being in contact with other objects.

In the embodiment described above, the stop member is configured toprotrude, in a protruded state, from the controller-side slide member ina direction perpendicular to the slide direction and parallel to thefirst surface (e.g., the z-axis direction shown in FIG. 21). Then, it ispossible to reduce the possibility that the stop member is damaged bybeing in contact with other objects.

In the embodiment described above, the stop member is at an end portionon the second end side of a center of the controller-side slide memberin the slide direction (e.g., the upper end of the slider 311 shown inFIG. 14). This allows the controller-side slide member to be moved moresmoothly against the main unit-side slide member.

In the embodiment described above, the game controller further includesat least one terminal (e.g., the terminal 42 or 46) that is on the firstend side (e.g., the lower end side) of the stop member in the slidedirection and that is electrically connectable to the main unit. Then,it is possible to reduce the possibility that the stop member comes intocontact with the main unit, and it is possible to reduce the possibilitythat the terminal of the main unit is damaged.

In the embodiment described above, the terminal is at an end portion onthe first end side of the controller-side slide member. Then, it ispossible to reduce the possibility that the controller-side slide membercomes into contact with the main unit, and it is possible to reduce thepossibility that the terminal of the main unit is damaged.

(Functions/Effects Regarding Operation Sections Provided on Slide Memberof Controller)

In the embodiment described above, a game controller (e.g., the leftcontroller 3 or the right controller 4) is removably attachable to amain unit (e.g., the main unit 2) having a main unit-side slide member(e.g., the left rail member 300) and configured to execute a gameprocess.

The game controller includes a controller-side slide member (e.g., theslider 311, 331) protruding from a first surface of the game controllerand being configured for slidably engaging with the main unit-side slidemember in a slide direction (e.g., the up-down direction shown in FIG.14, i.e., the y-axis direction).

The controller-side slide member has first and second ends and includes,as surfaces facing substantially in the same direction as the firstsurface, a lower surface (e.g., the lower-tier surface 311 f shown inFIG. 24) and an upper surface (e.g., the upper-tier surface 311 d shownin FIG. 24), a first distance between the lower surface and the firstsurface being less than a second distance between the upper surface andthe first surface, the lower surface extending from the first end to thesecond end of the controller-side slide member in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the slide direction.

The game controller includes a first operation control (e.g., the secondL button 43 or 65 or the second R button 44 and 66 shown in FIG. 14 orFIG. 25) provided on the lower surface, the first operation controlbeing configured so as not to project past the upper-tier surface.

According to the above description, an input section that is not usedwhen the game controller is attached to the main unit is provided atsuch a position (i.e., the lower-tier surface) that the input sectioncannot be operated when the game controller is attached to the mainunit. This makes it possible to efficiently use the area of a gamecontroller and efficiently arrange input sections on a game controller.According to the above description, since the first operation control isprovided on the lower-tier surface, the controller-side slide member canbe slid smoothly against the main unit-side slide member. Moreover,since the lower-tier surface is provided to extend from one end to theother end in the direction substantially perpendicular to the slidedirection, it is easier for a user to operate the first operationcontrol.

In the embodiment described above, the first operation control isconfigured so as not to protrude past the upper surface. This allows thecontroller-side slide member to be slid more smoothly against the mainunit-side slide member.

In the embodiment described above, the first operation control extendsaway from the first surface by a distance greater than the firstdistance and less than or equal to the second distance. This allows thecontroller-side slide member to be slid more smoothly against the mainunit-side slide member.

In the embodiment described above, the controller-side slide member hasa first end and a second end in the slide direction, and thecontroller-side slide member includes a first lower surface on the firstend side of a center of the controller-side slide member in the slidedirection, and a second lower surface on the second end side of thecenter of the controller-side slide member in the slide direction (FIG.14, FIG. 25). The first operation control includes a first input section(e.g., the second L button 43 or 65) on the first lower surface, and asecond input section (e.g., the second R button 44 and 66) on the secondlower surface. Then, when the game controller is removed from the mainunit, a user can operate the first input section using one hand, and thesecond input section using the other hand (FIG. 35). Thus, it ispossible to improve the controllability of the game controller.

In the embodiment described above, the game controller further includesa light-emitter (e.g., the indicator LED 45 or 67) on the upper surfacebetween the first input section and the second input section configuredfor notifying a user of information. Then, even when the first inputsection and the second input section are operated by a user, thelight-emitting portion is unlikely to be hidden by a hand of the user.That is, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the visibility ofthe light-emitting portion is reduced when input sections are provided.

In the embodiment described above, the controller-side slide memberdefines a sloped surface (e.g., the slope 311 e shown in FIG. 24)connecting the lower surface and the upper surface. Then, it is possibleto reduce the awkwardness to be felt by a user when operating the firstoperation control.

In the embodiment described above, the game controller is configured tobe attached to the main unit by engaging the controller-side slidemember with the main unit-side slide member.

The game controller includes:

-   -   a light-emitter on the upper surface configured for notifying a        user of information; and    -   a light emission control (e.g., the communication control        section 101 or 111) configured for controlling the light-emitter        to emit light at least on a condition that the game controller        is not attached to the main unit, and for controlling the        light-emitter not to emit light when the game controller is        attached to the main unit.

Thus, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the gamecontroller by controlling the light-emitting portion so that thelight-emitting portion does not emit light when there is little need toemit light.

In the embodiment described above, the game controller further includesa second operation control (e.g., the analog stick 32, 52, the operationbuttons 33 to 39, 47, 53 to 61) on a surface (e.g., the front surface orthe upper side surface) of the game controller that is different fromthe first surface. Then, the second operation control can be operatedwhen the game controller is attached to the main unit and when it isremoved from the main unit, and it is possible to improve thecontrollability of the game controller with the provision of such asecond operation control on the game controller.

In the embodiment described above, the second operation control is on afront surface of the game controller. The first surface is a sidesurface relative to the front surface. Then, a user can operate thefirst operation control provided on the side surface (e.g., using theindex finger) while operating the second operation control provided onthe front surface (e.g., using the thumb). Thus, it is possible toprovide a game controller having a good controllability when the gamecontroller is removed from the main unit.

The embodiment described above is applicable to, for example, a gamecontroller, with the aim of allowing for a controller to be easilyattached to an information processing device.

While certain example systems, methods, devices and apparatuses havebeen described herein, it is to be understood that the appended claimsare not to be limited to the systems, methods, devices and apparatusesdisclosed, but on the contrary, are intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A game controller which is removably attachable to a main unit having a main unit-side slide member and configured to execute a game process, the game controller having a front surface and at least first and second side surfaces relative to the front surface, the game controller comprising: a directional input control on the front surface; a first operation button on the front surface; a second operation button on the first side surface; and a controller-side slide member protruding from the second side surface and being configured for slidably engaging with the main unit-side slide member in a slide direction; the controller-side slide member having a first end and a second end in the slide direction; the game controller is configured to be attached to the main unit by inserting the controller-side slide member into the main unit-side slide member from the first end; the game controller including a stop member configured for resisting a slide movement, in an opposite direction, of the controller-side slide member against the main unit-side slide member, the opposite direction being a direction opposite to a direction in which the controller-side slide member is insertable into the main unit-side slide member, the stop member being closer to the second end than the first end in the slide direction; the stop member being configured to protrude from a side surface of the controller-side slide member, which side surface is substantially perpendicular to the second side surface; the controller-side slide member including: a protruding portion protruding in the slide direction from the first end side of the controller-side slide member and having a facing surface that faces the second side surface of the game controller; and at least one terminal between the facing surface and the second side surface, wherein the terminal is configured to be electrically connectable to the main unit; the game controller further including a third operation button and a fourth operation button on a surface of the controller-side slide member that faces substantially in the same direction as the second side surface; and a transmitter configured for transmitting, to the main unit via the terminal, information representing an operation performed on at least the directional input control, the first operation button and the second operation button.
 2. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein: the controller-side slide member includes, as surfaces facing substantially in the same direction as the second side surface, a lower surface and an upper surface, the distance from the lower surface to the second side surface being shorter than the distance from the upper surface to the second side surface; and the third operation button and the fourth operation button are on the lower surface.
 3. The game controller according to claim 2, wherein: the third operation button and the fourth operation button are configured so as not to protrude past the upper surface.
 4. The game controller according to claim 3, wherein: the controller-side slide member includes a first lower surface on the first end side of a center of the controller-side slide member in the slide direction, and a second lower surface on the second end side of the center of the controller-side slide member in the slide direction; the third operation button is on the first lower surface; and the fourth operation button is on the second lower surface.
 5. The game controller according to claim 2, further comprising a light-emitter on the upper surface between the third operation button and the fourth operation button configured for notifying a user of information.
 6. The game controller according to claim 2, wherein the controller-side slide member defines a sloped surface connecting the lower surface and the upper surface.
 7. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the terminal is on the facing surface.
 8. The game controller according to claim 7, wherein the terminal is configured to flex into a slot in the facing surface.
 9. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion includes a wall on the facing surface that protrudes from the facing surface, the wall being on one side or on both sides of the terminal with respect to a direction substantially perpendicular to the slide direction.
 10. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein a distal end of the terminal is between a center of the controller-side slide member and a distal end of the protruding portion.
 11. The game controller according to claim 10, wherein the protruding portion is tapered toward the distal end of the protruding portion.
 12. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein an end surface of the controller-side slide member at the second end is a flat surface extending from the second side surface.
 13. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the stop member is movable between a first position and a second position, and the stop member in the first position is more protruding from the side surface of the controller-side slide member as compared with the stop member in the second position, wherein the stop member is biased toward a protruding state in the first position.
 14. The game controller according to claim 13, further comprising a movable member that is configured to be moved by an operation by a user, wherein the stop member is moved at least from the first position to the second position in response to the movable member being operated by the user.
 15. The game controller according to claim 14, wherein the movable member is on a surface on a reverse side of the front surface.
 16. A pair of game controllers comprising a first game controller and a second game controller which are removably attachable to a main unit having a first main unit-side slide member and a second main unit-side slide member and configured to execute a game process, the first game controller having a first front surface and at least first and second side surfaces relative to the first front surface, the first game controller comprising: a first directional input control on the first front surface; a first operation button on the first front surface; a second operation button on the first side surface; and a first controller-side slide member protruding from the second side surface and being configured for slidably engaging with the first main unit-side slide member in a slide direction; the first controller-side slide member having a first end and a second end in the slide direction; the first game controller is configured to be attached to the main unit by inserting the first controller-side slide member into the first main unit-side slide member from the first end; the first game controller including a first stop member configured for resisting a first slide movement, in an opposite direction, of the first controller-side slide member against the first main unit-side slide member, the opposite direction being a direction opposite to a direction in which the first controller-side slide member is insertable into the first main unit-side slide member, the first stop member being closer to the second end than the first end in the slide direction; the first stop member being configured to protrude from a side surface of the first controller-side slide member, which side surface is substantially perpendicular to the second side surface; the first controller-side slide member including: a first protruding portion protruding in the slide direction from the first end side of the first controller-side slide member and having a first facing surface that faces the second side surface of the first game controller; and at least one first terminal between the first facing surface and the second side surface, wherein the first terminal is configured to be electrically connectable to the main unit; the first game controller further including a third operation button and a fourth operation button on a surface of the first controller-side slide member that faces substantially in the same direction as the second side surface; and a transmitter configured for transmitting, to the main unit via the first terminal, information representing an operation performed on at least the first directional input control, the first operation button and the second operation button; the second game controller having a second front surface and at least third and fourth side surfaces relative to the second front surface, the second game controller comprising: a second directional input control on the second front surface; a fifth operation button on the second front surface; a sixth operation button on the third side surface; and a second controller-side slide member protruding from the fourth side surface and being configured for slidably engaging with the second main unit-side slide member in the slide direction: the second controller-side slide member having a third end and a fourth end in the slide direction; the second game controller is configured to be attached to the main unit by inserting the second controller-side slide member into the second main unit-side slide member from the third end; the second game controller including a second stop member configured for resisting a second slide movement, in the opposite direction, the second stop member being closer to the fourth end than the third end in the slide direction; the second stop member being configured to protrude from a side surface of the second controller-side slide member, which side surface is substantially perpendicular to the fourth side surface; the second controller-side slide member including: a second protruding portion protruding in the slide direction from the third end side of the second controller-side slide member and having a second facing surface that faces the fourth side surface of the second game controller; and at least one second terminal between the second facing surface and the fourth side surface, wherein the second terminal is configured to be electrically connectable to the main unit; the second game controller further including a seventh operation button and an eighth operation button on a surface of the second controller-side slide member that faces substantially in the same direction as the fourth side surface; and a transmitter configured for transmitting, to the main unit via the second terminal, information representing an operation performed on at least the second directional input control, the fifth operation button and the sixth operation button.
 17. The pair of game controllers according to claim 16, wherein: the first controller-side slide member includes, as surfaces facing substantially in the same direction as the second side surface, a first lower surface and a first upper surface, the distance from the first lower surface to the second side surface being shorter than the distance from the first upper surface to the second side surface; the third operation button and the fourth operation button are on the first lower surface; the second controller-side slide member includes, as surfaces facing substantially in the same direction as the fourth side surface, a second lower surface and a second upper surface, the distance from the second lower surface to the fourth side surface being shorter than the distance from the second upper surface to the fourth side surface; the seventh operation button and the eighth operation button are on the second lower surface.
 18. The pair of game controllers according to claim 17, wherein: the third operation button and the fourth operation button are configured so as not to protrude past the first upper surface, and the seventh operation button and the eighth operation button are configured so as not to protrude past the second upper surface.
 19. The pair of game controllers according to claim 18, wherein: the first lower surface includes a first area on the first end side of a center of the first controller-side slide member in the slide direction, and a second area on the second end side of the center of the first controller-side slide member in the slide direction; the third operation button is on the first area; the fourth operation button is on the second area; the second lower surface includes a third area on the third end side of a center of the second controller-side slide member in the slide direction, and a fourth area on the fourth end side of the center of the second controller-side slide member in the slide direction; the seventh operation button is on the third area; and the eighth operation button is on the fourth area.
 20. The pair of game controllers according to claim 17, further comprising a first light-emitter on the first upper surface between the third operation button and the fourth operation button configured for notifying a user of information; and a second light-emitter on the second upper surface between the seventh operation button and the eighth operation button configured for notifying the user of information.
 21. The pair of game controllers according to claim 17, wherein the first controller-side slide member defines a first sloped surface connecting the first lower surface and the first upper surface, and the second controller-side slide member defines a second sloped surface connecting the second lower surface and the second upper surface.
 22. The pair of game controllers according to claim 16, wherein the first terminal is on the first facing surface and the second terminal is on the second facing surface.
 23. The pair of game controllers according to claim 22, wherein the first terminal is configured to flex into a first slot in the first facing surface and the second terminal is configured to flex into a second slot in the second facing surface.
 24. The pair of game controllers according to claim 16, wherein the first protruding portion includes a first wall on the first facing surface that protrudes from the first facing surface, the first wall being on one side or on both sides of the first terminal with respect to a direction substantially perpendicular to the slide direction; and the second protruding portion includes a second wall on the second facing surface that protrudes from the second facing surface, the second wall being on one side or on both sides of the second terminal with respect to the direction substantially perpendicular to the slide direction.
 25. The pair of game controllers according to claim 16, wherein a distal end of the first terminal is between a center of the first controller-side slide member and a distal end of the first protruding portion; and a distal end of the second terminal is between a center of the second controller-side slide member and a distal end of the second protruding portion.
 26. The pair of game controllers according to claim 25, wherein the first protruding portion is tapered toward the distal end of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion is tapered toward the distal end of the second protruding portion.
 27. The pair of game controllers according to claim 16, wherein a first end surface of the first controller-side slide member at the second end is a first flat surface extending from the second side surface, and a second end surface of the second controller-side slide member at the fourth end is a second flat surface extending from the fourth side surface.
 28. The pair of game controllers according to claim 16, wherein the first stop member is movable between a first position and a second position, and the first stop member in the first position is more protruding from the side surface of the first controller-side slide member as compared with the first stop member in the second position, wherein the first stop member is biased toward a first protruding state in the first position; the second stop member is movable between a third position and a fourth position, and the second stop member in the third position is more protruding from the side surface of the second controller-side slide member as compared with the second stop member in the fourth position, wherein the second stop member is biased toward a second protruding state in the third position.
 29. The pair of game controllers according to claim 28, the first controller further comprising a first movable member that is configured to be moved by an operation by a user, wherein the first stop member is moved at least from the first position to the second position in response to the first movable member being operated by the user; the second controller further comprising a second movable member that is configured to be moved by an operation by the user, wherein the second stop member is moved at least from the third position to the fourth position in response to the second movable member being operated by the user.
 30. The pair of game controllers according to claim 29, wherein the first movable member is on a surface on a reverse side of the first front surface, and the second movable member is on a surface on a reverse side of the second front surface. 